Inappropriate rape term criticised

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) has observed with dismay and concern the increasingly commonplace but unacceptable use of the term ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to refer to cases of ‘defilement’ under the 2006 Sexual Offences Act.

Your reporting on the Supreme Court decision of Feb 23 on the constitutionality of the legislation we were glad to see did not headline the term, although it was quoted as a term used by the defence legal team.

The term is prejudicial, probably erroneous, potentially hurtful and certainly offensive.