The head of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Noeline Blackwell has hit out at the use of 'rape stereotypes' in rape trials.

Even the most vivid champions of this still-evolving Republic, even those Teflon-cloaked bankers who so disastrously “wore the green jersey” to try to pull the wool over investors’ eyes — your pension providers possibly — cannot but feel a sense of embarrassment, a sense of betrayal, that at least 42 schools must be reassessed, years after they were built, to establish whether they are safe places for our children.

Rape crisis groups say a change of attitude is needed in the courts and among the public towards victims of sexual violence and their treatment in trials.

Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

The director of Dublin’s Rape Crisis Centre, Noeline Blackwell says there needs to be a change in legislation and in public attitudes towards rape.

This week Rosa, the socialist feminist movement, an organisation I have been a part of long before I was a city councillor, called a rally in Cork after disgraceful details of a Central Criminal Court case held in Cork emerged.

Gardaí investigating an alleged sexual assault on a woman in a taxi after she left a Christmas party at the weekend before last have released an EvoFit of a suspect and an image of a white cab.

A heightened awareness of consent is one of a number of reasons why there has been an increase in young people seeking help from rape crisis centres.

We owe rape survivor Lavinia Kerwick a huge debt of gratitude.

Rape survivor Lavinia Kerwick has challenged the Garda Commissioner, the Government, and the judiciary to match her bravery by bringing about major changes in the way victims are treated in sexual offence trials.

Rape survivor Lavinia Kerwick, who made legal history as a teenager in 1992 when she waived her anonymity to speak publicly about her rape ordeal and appalling experience in court, made an emotional address a gathering at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre today.

A woman who waived her right to anonymity after when she was raped as a teenager in the early 90s has spoken out about the need for criminal justice reform for victims.

The movement which started in October, saw celebrities speak about their experiences of sexual harassment.

Here's your morning bulletin.

Both vintners and a students union say more can be done to increase safety after the revelation that three students had been raped in Cork since the start of the academic year.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has criticised the suspended sentence handed down to an 86-year-old man who pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of two children more than 60 years ago.

From all corners of the island, across all demographics, and on a wide range of issues, grassroots activism has gone mainstream. From first time marchers to advocates with decades of experience, campaigners have made their political power felt this year, writes Joyce Fegan.

NEW Year party-goers are being urged to take steps to avoid being targeted by sex attackers over the bank holiday weekend.

Michael D reigned supreme as the nation bid fáilte to Obama and farewell to McAleese in a tumultuous year, writes Political Correspondent Shaun Connolly

TEENAGERS are being targeted and sexually abused the same way as adult women, according to a report.