Sexual violence claims ‘stymied by legal system’

THE legal system needs to be overhauled so more allegations of sexual violence result in convictions, a legal expert urged yesterday.

Dean of Law at University College Cork, Professor Caroline Fennell, said the best legislation in the world is useless if cultural perceptions and attitudes are allowed in courtrooms.

“Cultural myths still surround someone’s past sexual history and the law can be affected by it,” Prof Fennell said.