Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are calling for the Justice Minister to take action on their demands for systemic change. They cite the traumatic experience of navigating the justice system, including the use of their counseling notes during trials, as evidence of deep-rooted issues. Campaigners propose several key reforms, including outlawing character references in these cases, providing advocates for complainants, mandatory training for judges and juries, and investing in court personnel to reduce waiting times.
A group of survivors of sexual and gender based violence are calling for the Justice Minister to “meaningfully” engage with their requests for change.Advertisement
Ruth Coppinger and Natasha O'Brien as women take part in a solidarity demonstration in Dublin. Picture date: Monday November 25, 2024. Alamy“He took my body that night, he left it like a piece of rubbish in the hedges,” she said. “They wait five years for their trial to come up and then they're faced with counselling notes, character references, rape myths, victim blaming and just so many barriers.”
Last month, former defence forces soldier Cathal Crotty, was jailed for two years for attacking Ms O’Brien in 2022. Ruth Coppinger speaks as Protesters with placards taking place today outside the GPO in Dublin in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien, 22/06/2024. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ieOutlaw character references in cases of Gender Based Violence. They can retraumatise victims & sway judges to mitigate abuse.Provide Advocates and representation for complainants in the court process.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE JUSTICE SYSTEM VICTIM RIGHTS REFORM IRELAND
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