DPP must be more open on sex offence data
Very many survivors of sexual violence who take the decision to report the crime to the gardaí will not have their case prosecuted in the criminal courts. For survivors, this can be very difficult to understand and accept. It is vital they have access to appropriate support from Rape Crisis Centres, gardaí and others at this stage in the criminal justice process, so the trauma can be anticipated and reduced as much as possible.
Independent, free and readily available legal advice is a central part of this support, and it would be wonderful if it were available from the Legal Aid Board in the absence of a prosecution, because that is when it is most needed.
