Rape Crisis report - Downward rape trend a fallacy

SERIOUS doubts have long been cast on the accuracy of official statistics which claim to reflect the incidence of rape in Ireland.

Going on the latest set of crime statistics, this most heinous of offences is depicted on a downward trend. Nothing could be further from the truth, however, judging by a new report conducted for the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland (RCNI) which operates at the coal face of this shocking social problem.

Taking a cold look at the low conviction rates for rape in this country, the findings are a damning indictment of a justice system which is failing victims of sexual violence at every level.