DRCC statement re further conviction of Raymond Shorten

08 July 2024

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Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, said today: “It is sickening to learn that Raymond Shorten, who was convicted in June of raping two young women in his taxi on separate dates in 2022, has also been found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a 7-year-old child more than a decade ago.

“All these cases are absolutely horrifying in their own rights. The common thread is that Shorten leveraged power imbalances to rape young and vulnerable people who trusted him.

“Shorten is a predator but he was also a taxi driver who used his place of work to commit some of the sexual offences of which he has been found guilty. Taxis are a vital and trusted way for people to move about, particularly at night time and should remain so. I think the public will want reassurance from Government that the safeguards that are in place for their safety are optimal, that they are resourced and that they are working.

“I want to recognise the fact that because Shorten pleaded not-guilty in all these cases, this has added a further burden on his victims. They had to go through the ordeal of a trial process which can include cross-examination, delivering testimony and delays in the process.

“The fact that there has been another conviction is very positive and welcome. We send our best wishes to the three young women who are survivors of his violence and we thank them for their bravery in coming forward, which can be a hugely difficult, lonely process.

“For anyone who has been affected by this issue either directly or indirectly, I want them to know that Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is open 24 hours a day for support over the phone. The National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888 is fully confidential and we can help you explore your options in your own time and according to your own wishes. ”

Confidential freephone 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888

/ENDS

Notes for editors:  

  1. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. It also offers a wide range of training and education to professionals and volunteers.  
  2. Other DRCC services and work: 
    • DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at drcc.ie Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English - more at https://bit.ly/DRCClang
    • For those contacting the Helpline who are deaf or hard of hearing, we provide a text service, operating Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443 and we also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays.
    • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide.
    • DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent.
    • DRCC provides accompaniment support for the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas, by arrangement.   
    • We-Consent is a new long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources on having consent conversations at https://www.we-consent.ie/
    • DRCC has outreach offices at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.   
  3. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88  for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.