97% of child sexual abuse cases unprosecuted
Out of these, two-thirds are likely to face a jail term, while one third will walk away without being sentenced.
The figures are contained in one of the many submissions to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Child Protection.
The committee was set up in June to decide whether a referendum should be held to deal with issues arising from the collapse of the statutory rape laws which were found in court to be unconstitutional.
The submission by CARI, an organisation which supports children who have been abused and their families, said the criminal justice system is not dealing with the vast majority of sexual offences.
It said: “The failure of the DPP to proceed with cases when the victim is under seven years of age leaves many of our most vulnerable children in an unacceptable position. The situation seems to arise from a misconception that young children make unreliable witnesses. But research indicates that young children can be very credible witnesses. Other jurisdictions have adapted the judicial system to take account of their immaturity and to enable their evidence to be heard in a child- friendly way. By refusing to prosecute, the state is effectively condoning these crimes against children.”
It is one of many submissions being made by individuals, as well as child protection and other interest groups, ahead of the deadline of 5.30 this evening.
The original deadline of August 16 was extended because some interested parties contacted the committee, indicating that they had difficulties making the original date.
The committee, chaired by Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Peter Power, will consider the submissions before reporting back to the Oireachtas before November 30.
A spokesperson said yesterday, they have not yet decided when the first meeting of the committee will be held.
The Children’s Rights Alliance, which represents more than 80 organisations, will recommend in its submission that sexual activity among consenting minors should not be criminalised.
