MINISTER ADMITS IT IS A ‘PROBLEM’ THAT MANY RAPE VICTIMS DO NOT REPORT IT
The Justice Minister admits it is a “problem” that many victims of rape and sexual abuse will not report the matter to authorities.
Frances Fitzgerald was speaking at the launch of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s annual report, which showed a 30 percent rise in first-time callers.
On average, 25 calls seeking help after a rape or assault were made every day last year – with almost a quarter of all contacts made by men.
Despite the increase in calls, only 36 percent of cases where reporting status was known were brought up with the gardaí.
Ms Fitzgerald says that needs to change – and more supports are needed.
“This is an international problem in terms of people having the confidence when they have been the victims of sexual abuse, sexual violence, of rape – having the confidence to go forward to face a court situation” she said.
