System is no help for abuse victims

THE very nature of a sex crime means victims of such attacks or incidents will feel degraded, traumatised and ashamed.

From the outset, even before they think about seeking justice, that is how they feel. That many go on to experience further trauma while trying to navigate a way through the criminal justice system is simply unacceptable.

We all know crimes of a sexual nature are notoriously difficult to prosecute. The DPP has told us, gardaí tell us, and it is acknowledged and taken as read. Very often, in rape or sexual offence cases, victims do not even go as far as entering the legal system because they feel they will not get justice.