Rape victims need help not delays

THE fact that some rape victims can endure a harrowing 11-hour delay before undergoing forensic examination is a damning comment on the inadequacy of our response to their plight, in a community where sex crimes have been swept under the carpet for decades.

Their ordeal represents a compelling argument for devoting significantly greater resources to tackling the escalating crisis of rape and sex assault in society.

What is especially disturbing is that the plight of rape victims in Waterford reflects only the tip of an iceberg as hundreds more women throughout the country must face similar delays in receiving suitable attention and treatment.