Rape victim's dress was shown during Limerick rape trial in 'blatant form of victim-blaming'

The rape victim was also asked in court if she was wearing underwear when she was attacked

24-year-old Patrick Faulkner was sentenced last week for the rape of a 15-year-old girl during a party in Limerick, when he was 18 years old. File picture: Dan Linehan

The showing of a dress in a trial worn by a rape victim, who was also asked in court if she was wearing underwear when she was attacked, amounted to “victim blaming, a form of public humiliation”, survivor advocates have said.

The clothing was produced during the rape trial of 24-year-old Patrick Faulkner, of Lower Mallow St, Limerick City, who was sentenced last week for the rape of a 15-year-old girl during a party in Limerick, when he was 18 years old.