Mandatory Treatment for Sex Offenders in Prisons

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) calls on Minister Dermot Ahern to deliver on his recommendation of mandatory treatment for all sex offenders in our prisons.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) said: “We are very concerned that the Sex Offender Programme in Arbour Hill will not recommence this October as reported. This is the only programme of its kind in our prisons at the moment and it is imperative that it, not only continues, but is expanded, so that all of the sex offenders in our prisons can avail of the treatment.

International research continually points to the positive effects of rehabilitation in this area. It was heartening to hear Minister Dermot Ahern speak last week of his commitment to making sex offender programmes mandatory for all sex offenders in our prisons.

We want to make our society safe for our children and for the most vulnerable in our society. We know that in the area of reporting sexual crimes, Ireland has one of the lowest rates in the whole of Europe. Yes we are in a time of recession but surely it would be an outrage to even contemplate cutting such an important treatment programme.

Minister Ahern has an opportunity to show real leadership in this area and what better way to help recover some confidence in our Government than to act responsibly and deliver on the promise of making sex offender programmes mandatory in our prisons.”

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