A welcome possibility to removing one of the deterrents to the Reporting of Rape and Sexual Assault

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) today welcomes the news that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mr. James Hamilton has commenced a process of examining his previous policy not to give reasons for decisions about stopping a case from going forward to trial.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC said “The current judicial system is fraught with difficulties when it comes to reporting rape and sexual assault. We know that only 1 in 10 report these serious crimes and this is not a good message to sent to the perpetrators. There are many reasons why people don’t report. Up to now it has been one of the deterrents for victims of these crimes that they can risk not knowing why the case is turned known by the DPP.

The DRCC welcomes the DPP’s initiative in publishing a discussion paper today, and in inviting the public and relevant organisations to make submissions about the way his office operates in relation to giving reason for his decisions. The DRCC would respect the DPP having discretion in some cases but would welcome this being the exception rather than the rule.”

For further information please contact:
Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, CEO – 01 661 4911 / 086 809 9618