Rape crisis groups hit out at DPP backtrack

Rape crisis groups have hit out at indications from the state prosecutor’s office that it may backtrack on plans to give sex crime victims reasons why charges are not being taken in their cases.

DPP Claire Loftus said the Reasons Project, currently operating in cases of fatalities, was already “very resource-intensive” and this was a “significant factor” in any expansion of the scheme for sexual violence.

The Rape Crisis Network of Ireland (RCNI) said both the DPP and Justice Minister Alan Shatter should take into account the “true cost” of not expanding the project, given the impact on survivors, their families, and the criminal justice system.