We need a victim centered approach to judicial guidelines
Labour Spokesperson for Justice Sean Sherlock has called on Minister Flannagan to bring promised plan to review judicial processes for victims of sexual violence to the Dáil
Speaking today Deputy Sherlock said:
“Many were shocked to hear that a man who confessed to the rape and sexual abuse of young children has been given a suspended sentence of 8 years. The justification given here was the rapist’s age. This follows another case recently in the news of a man who assaulted his wife and attempted to rape her, was given a suspended sentence. In the judgment, in that case, it was mentioned that ‘ emotions were running high’.
“There is never an excuse of sexual-based violence, rape or abuse of women or children. Ireland has a low rate of prosecutions for sexual based violence, and low reporting rates of rape. When we have two cases in short succession of a rapist, and an attempted rapist, being found guilty but not having to serve any prison sentence, it sends the absolutely wrong message to victims
“These two judgments send out a message to victims that their abusers, even when prosecuted, can remain on the street. In this case, it seems the concerns for the abuser’s health and age came before the concerns of his victims when sentencing was being passed down.
“We need a victim-centered approach to judicial guidelines.
“Following the Belfast rape trial, Minister for Justice Charlie Flannagan announced a plan to review judicial processes for victims of sexual violence. Firstly, I am calling on him to bring that promised plan to the Dáil in the coming weeks on this, and I believe he needs to find a way to review sentencing guidelines for judges in relation to rape, sexual assault, and sexual violence.”