The trauma of sexual violence is compounded by failure of public systems

Anna Ilnicka was beaten and sexually assaulted but the health service, gardaí and justice system failed her. We need an inquiry to find out why, writes Michael Clifford.

PHOTO: Even though hospital doctors’ notes recorded twice that Anna Ilnicka (above left, and right after the first attack) had been sexually assaulted, no examination was carried out, and no effort was made to liaise with relevant organisations offering support to victims of sexual violence. When her attacker was convicted of a lesser crime, he was given a suspended sentence. In the months that followed the attack, Anna was befriended by a garda who she said went on to sexually assault her. Even though it was discovered that a similar allegation was made against the same garda by another woman in an unrelated case some years previously, the DPP refused to allow the case be prosecuted.

Calls for public inquiries are myriad these days. Some cases are far more deserving than others.