Prevalence of rape myths is bad news for justice system

Recent research commissioned by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre shows that the justice system has work to do in order to dispel the myths that linger around rape, writes Susan Leahy

All victims of crime now have legal rights to information, support and protection throughout their engagement with the criminal justice system. Indeed, these rights apply even where victims do not make a formal complaint and simply wish to access relevant support services. File picture

Recent years have seen significant developments in social and, consequently, legal and policy responses to sexual violence. 

Education and awareness initiatives about consent and the availability of victim support services, coupled with legislative reforms which have improved criminal justice system responses to victim-survivors have contributed to Irish society becoming both more aware of the realities of sexual violence and supportive of victim-survivors.