We need a two-pronged approach to protect vulnerable children
Arising from this controversy, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006 was passed making it an offence for anyone to engage in a sexual act with a child under 15 years, but without the standard of absolute liability. Absolute liability in statutory rape cases means the defence of mistake as to age is not available to an accused when the child is under a certain age.
This is an essential child protection measure and further protection can be guaranteed by inserting children’s rights into the constitution.
Such protection in both constitutional and legislative terms should supersede the plea of honest mistake as to age. We believe that teenagers emerging into their sexuality should be protected at this vulnerable stage in their lives.
For some teenagers various sexual activities can be experienced as unharmful.
However, we know the realities of many teenagers’ lives is that they may be pressurised, targeted, groomed, taken advantage of, neglected and they may even be engaged in self-harming behaviour.
We know from the latest Crisis Pregnancy Agency evidence just how harmful early sexual activity can be to the child and the adult they will become.
Ireland must provide its children and young people with a secure mantle of protection — they are entitled to experience the highest level of care from the State and all citizens. We, the undersigned, urge all political parties to fully support and prioritise the children’s referendum. Vulnerable children deserve no less from us.
Caroline O’Sullivan
Director of Services ISPCC Ellen O’Malley Dunlop
CEO Dublin Rape Crisis CentreFiona Neary
Executive Director Rape Crisis Network Ireland Meave Lewis
Executive Directr One in Four Mary Crilly
Director Sexual Violence Centre
Cork Michael McLoughlin
Director of Central Services
Youth Work Ireland Norah Gibbons
Director of Advocacy
BarnardosRita Lambert
Chairperson
Parentline
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