Plea to rape victims ‘treated outside statutory justice system’

Rape victims whose abuse claims were dealt with outside of the statutory justice system have been urged to come forward and have their cases investigated by the proper authorities.

The Rape Crisis Network of Ireland said there are “a lot of” victims whose cases were handled “at some other level” who should now make this known to the State.

It said many victims are watching closely the response to claims by Belfast woman Maíria Cahill that she was raped by an IRA member and later subjected to a “kangaroo court” inquiry.

“A lot of survivors are looking very closely at how the State, and how different communities and groups, are responding,” said RCNI spokeswoman Cliona Saidlear.

“There are a lot of people who did not go through statutory authorities for various reasons. They will make a judgment on whether they will or not based on how this is dealt with.”

Ms Saidlear said the group was concerned some responses to Ms Cahill’s claims will stop others seeking help.

“Certainly, Maíria Cahill has had responses that have not been entirely respectful and have blamed her, that has not been easy for Maíria and those watching who may be in similar situations.”

As Ms Cahill lodged a complaint to gardaí about what she claims was cyber-bullying, Ms Saidlear said it was “not appropriate to bully, punish, or blame survivors”.

She said: “When any authority figure speaks, for or on behalf of a community, it is incredibly important that their response leads other survivors to be reassured that when they come forward they will be treated with respect.”

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said last night he was “very concerned” after the Irish News reported there were at least six cases of republicans being moved across the border after allegations of abuse against them in the North.

Speaking in Brussels, Mr Kenny said there are questions Sinn Féin must answer: “Were there people moved from the North to the South who were involved in sex abuse; do they know where they are; what are they up to? Can they give a cast-iron guarantee that this did not happen and if it did, report it to the authorities?”

Rape Crisis Centre in Donegal: 1800 448844. Rape Crisis Centre in Dundalk: 1800 212122