Seán Barrett
Question:22 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of reported rape cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20219/98]
Written Answers. - Rape Cases.
I am aware of the increase in the number of reported rape cases and I can assure the Deputy that I am greatly concerned with this increase, especially in the context of the current downward trend in crime generally.
As I indicated in the House earlier this year, the Garda Commissioner shares my concern at this trend and earlier in the year he asked the Garda research unit to conduct an analysis of the number of reported rapes between 1994 and 1997. The information is set out in the following table.
Rape Statistics
|
Year |
Recorded |
Detected |
|
1993 |
143 |
107 |
|
1994 |
184 |
156 |
|
1995 |
191 |
152 |
|
1996 |
180 |
147 |
|
1997 |
256 |
214 |
In 1997 there were 256 cases reported to the Garda, which is an increase of 42 per cent on 1996 figures. Some 28 per cent of the increase, or 21 cases, were related to cases of rape perpetrated in previous years but not reported until 1997. The majority were historical child abuse cases. While the available statistics point to an increase in the incidence of rape, it seems that there is also a greater willingness by the victim to report rape.
As I pointed out in a previous reply to the House, a number of victims do not come forward to the Garda to report such incidents and we must ascertain the reasons for this. My Department is about to commission a research project into the reasons there are such high rates of attrition in bringing prosecutions in rape cases. This project will analyse, on a step by step basis, the reasons rape victims do not report rape and what they consider are the obstacles in progressing through the criminal justice system.
The National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women, which is chaired by my colleague, Deputy Mary Wallace, Minister of State at the Department, is looking at, among other issues, ways of providing a multi-disciplinary respose to victims of all forms of violence which will include rape and sexual assault. The steering committee has established regional committees in each of the eight health board areas. The committees are facilitating greater communication and co-operation between the service providers and I am confident they will lead to the development of a more comprehensive service and a better response to victims of sexual crime.
As the House will be aware, earlier this year I published a discussion document on the law on sexual offences, which I hope will promote a wide public debate on the issue which will assist me in developing any future legislative reforms the Department will undertake.