Hazel Behan was raped in Portugal yet no one there seems to care

I watched the Late, Late Show in awe as a brave young woman, Hazel Behan, recounted her horrific account of being raped, by a masked intruder, in Portugal some years ago. 

I have been involved with the victim-support movement since it was set up in 1984.

I have also been a regular visitor to Portugal, holidaying there every year since 2000. I think it is a beautiful country, with wonderful, warm people. But this attack sickens me on so many levels:

I would like to pose the following questions to the Portuguese ambassador to Ireland, the Portuguese department of justice, the Portuguese police and the Portuguese tourist board: 1. Since the attack, what steps have been taken to bring the perpetrator to justice?

2. Was any action taken against the police officers who dealt with her in the immediate aftermath of her rape?

3. Was this investigation typical of the Portuguese approach to an horrific attack on a young woman asleep in her own home?

4. What civilised country permits a female victim of rape to be treated in such a medieval manner?

5. Why were no female police officers involved?

6. Why was there no DNA evidence collected?

7. Is Portugal more concerned about its tourist image and unwelcome publicity, than bringing to justice such a monster?

8. Do you not owe it to the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit your country to investigate this?

9. Do your people not want to feel safe in their beds at night ?

I believe that Hazel Behan should be given an apology and her case should be re-opened.

I would also like to ask our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Flanagan, and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald if they have raised this matter with the Portuguese authorities?

The bravery of Ms Behan deserves a more proactive response than she has experienced to date.

Jack Keaveney

Betaghstown Wood

Bettystown

Co Meath