Written Answers. - Sexual Offences.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:
42
Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the plans, if any, he has to reduce the incidence of rape in view of recent Garda statistics that indicate a disturbing increase in reported rape; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3068/99]
Charles Flanagan
Question:
106
Mr. Flanagan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
his views on the significant increase in violent crimes against women, particularly rape; and the action, if any, he proposes to initiate in this regard.
[3096/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 106 together.
I am sure that I can speak for all Members of the House when I state that violence against women and rape, in particular, is an abhorrent crime. The increase in reported rapes seems to be due to a higher incidence of rape in the present day, historic cases from previous years being reported in the present day, or increased willingness on the part of victims to report rape and the availability of better services for victims.
This Government recognises that to tackle these particular crimes requires a concerted effort from various sectors in society including the State, semi-State, and non-Governmental organisations. This Government has put in place the structures for coherent policies to develop and is addressing a wide variety of issues by raising awareness of these crimes and working together to ensure a better and safer society for women.
The National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women is developing a programme of initiatives to make more people aware of the issues of rape and sexual assault. The committee has launched a public awareness campaign, entitled Going Forward, which aims to highlight a number of issues including the central message to victims that help is available. The campaign will be broadened in a subsequent phase, to develop messages to the perpetrators that this is a crime and it must stop and to the public generally not to condone such actions by alienating victims further. The committee is also looking at ways of developing a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary and cohesive response to victims.
As the House will be aware I have published a discussion paper on the law and sexual offences on which I invited the public to make contributions. I can assure you that I will, in the preparation of any new legislation in this area, take these views into consideration. I have also indicated that I support the concept of separate legal representation for rape victims and I will be shortly bringing a memorandum to Government on this issue.
We are funding research into why there are high rates of attrition in bringing prosecutions in rape cases. The research will examine, on a step by step basis, the obstacles rape victims encounter before coming into contact with, and as they progress through, the criminal justice system. The Garda are also continuing their research on rape which will run in tandem with this project, The results of both of these projects will enable the system to respond better to the needs of the victim.
I hope the House will appreciate that no previous Government has ever put in place such a multi-faceted and comprehensive response to the many aspects of these heinous crimes.
The first report of the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women will be published in early March and it will outline the Government's policies in this area further.
