Founder of Cork Sexual Violence Centre honoured

A woman who has worked tirelessly for the last 35 years helping victims of domestic violence has called for separate courts to fast-track cases of sexual assault and rape, as well as the introduction of mandatory sentences.

Mary Crilly made the comments yesterday after she was bestowed with a Cork Person of the Year monthly award.

In 1983, Ms Crilly became the first person in Cork to introduce counselling and support to women, men, and teenagers who have experienced sexual violence or child sexual abuse.