Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Jim O’ Callaghan has said that reports in today Irish Times newspaper about the increase in sex crimes being reported to gardaí is “very concerning”.
According to unpublished documents, the number of sex crimes reported to gardaí has increased for the sixth year in a row.
The unpublished figures show that there was a three per cent increase in the total number of sexual offences reported to gardaí last year. This figure was up from 3,179 offences in 2018.
Deputy O’Callaghan said: “The unpublished figures obtained by the Irish Times are extremely worrying. Fianna Fáil is committed to supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse across the country.
“It is vital to ensure there is consistent and sustained funding provided to rape crisis centres and increased capacity at domestic violence refuges.”
It is estimated that only 15% of victims of sexual abuse make a complaint, and there is currently no funding for legal aid to help them make informed decisions from pre-complaint to the end of the judicial process,
“There is an epidemic of violence against women. Some women and children fleeing violence are left with little option but to return to their abuser by virtue of the lack of refuge spaces. The provision of refuge spaces can often be the difference between life and death and therefore Fianna Fáil is committed to ensuring there is the adequate resources available,” concluded Deputy O’Callaghan.
