Rape research – Attitude of gardaí must change

RAPE and sexual abuse are among the most heinous of crimes and so it is alarming to hear that most gardaí believe rape claims by women are false.

According to new research on this highly sensitive issue, the mindset of the majority of gardaí dealing with sexual offences is deeply stereotyped.

The question that has to be asked is why gardaí perceive a rape victim as more likely to make a false statement than someone whose house has been burgled? Especially in view of the criminal gravity of rape.