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.

The DPP’s office set up a pilot project in 2008 after more than four years consulting people and examining the issue.

Ms Loftus told the National Prosecutors’ Conference a fortnight ago that her office gave decisions in certain cases of fatalities, including murder.

She said that since this policy was introduced three-and-a-half years ago, there had been only 30 requests from victims for reasons, a figure she described as “very low”.

Ms Loftus said her office had been considering expanding the scheme to sexual offences.

“My predecessor had highlighted that the process of giving reasons has already proved to be very resource-intensive and this will be a significant factor in any expansion of this work,” she said.

RCNI policy officer Clíona Saidléar said her organisation had long campaigned for reasons to be provided to survivors of sexual violence.

“We know our clients find it really difficult to accept,” she said. “We know it’s very demanding to go down the road of taking a criminal case.”

She said research, such as the Rape & Justice in Ireland report, showed that very few cases ended up in a conviction.

“It’s very important that through that journey that they are not traumatised again, but are treated with respect and dignity,” said Ms Saidléar. “How they are treated and responded to is crucial and part of that are reasons if their case does not go ahead. That is very important. Not hearing why is very difficult to accept.”

She said she understood the DPP had concerns about resources and staffing levels.

“While the DPP may be looking at limited resources, what needs to be calculated regarding cost is the true cost of not giving reasons: The cost on individuals and the prosecution process and society as a whole.

“If the impact on a survivor is not to move on from trauma and be re-traumatised and the impact on those around her or him, that should be taken into account.”

Ms Saidléar said that Mr Shatter had long been an advocate of victims’ rights, particularly on sexual crime, and asked him to reconsider the budget for the DPP’s office.

A spokeswoman for the DPP declined to make further comment on the issue.

* Rape crisis 24-hour helpline: 1800 778 888