SDLP MLA for Foyle, Mark H Durkan, has said that Sir John Gillen’s report regarding reform of sex-offence trials is a welcome move forward and if enforced will enable more victims to report offences, as well as resulting in an increase in conviction rates.
Sir John recommended the public should not be admitted to court when a trial into allegations of rape is taking place.
But he refused to recommend the banning of the name of the person on trial for alleged rape.
Mr Durkan commented: “Our outdated handling of sex-offence trials here is both cruel and damaging to both the victim and the outcome of the trial.
“Victims are subjected to demeaning cross-examinations where their character is questioned and open to public scrutiny.
“Packed public galleries, the inappropriate influence of social media and the use of ‘rape myths’ are a direct cause of the gross under-reporting of sexual crimes, high dropout rates and a daunting trial process; all of which has led to only 1 in 6 victims reporting their ordeal.
“Although not all of Justice Gillen’s recommendations require legislative change, a small minority do.
“Any delay in implementing these recommendations as a direct result of having no Assembly is a damning indictment of our ongoing political impasse which is failing to protect the most vulnerable in our society including victims of sexual crimes.”
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