Victim’s Testimony in Cases of Rape and Sexual Assault Report published by Justice Committee

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy James Lawless said: “The witnesses provided the Committee with insight into several areas in need of reform, where it appears that the current system, for a variety of reasons, fails to adequately support victims engaging with it, at what is an extremely difficult and emotive time in victim’s lives. Evidence given stressed the need for more information and resources to be available to victims of sexual assault and it was put to the Committee Members that victims needed continuous support throughout the process and not just for the trial itself.

The Committee was also very concerned to hear reports which suggested that less than 10% of victims report incidences of sexual assault or rape to the Gardaí. And that the rate of prosecution and conviction of these crimes is much lower than that of other serious offences. The Committee learned that in 2018 only 11% of reported rape cases resulted in a conviction – which was a slight increase of 3% from 2008.”

The Cathaoirleach added: “Witnesses and the Committee Members raised key areas of concern which included the issue of delays in court trials proceeding, the need for specialist training of front-line professionals that interact with vulnerable victims and the need for improved court services and facilities to make them more suitable for victims. The Committee has taken that evidence and we have put together fourteen strong recommendations to help build a better system. A copy of this report has been sent to the Minister for Justice and the Committee looks forward to working proactively and productively with the Minister to create a more supportive system with the lowest levels of trauma for those involved in proceedings.”

Read the full committee report here.

The Joint Committee on Justice has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad. More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage.