GARDA COMMISSIONER MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY TO REASSURE WOMEN THAT SEXISM IN RELATION TO RAPE IS UNACCEP

Published: Tuesday, April 05, 2011

'Joking about raping women is never funny and the Garda Commissioner must act immediately to show that the appalling attitudes displayed by members of the force are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,'said Susan McKay, chief executive of the National Women's Council of Ireland.

'These officers displayed levels of sexism and stupidity that are extremely worrying in a 21st century police force. Women need to be reassured that if they are raped or sexually assaulted they can report it to Gardai who understand that these are deeply traumatic experiences. They must not be left wondering if their distress will be a source of amusement.'

The Women's Council also calls on the Commissioner to reverse cuts to spending on education and training in rape awareness for Gardai. 'While we are aware that many Gardai respond sensitively and carefully to victims of sexual violence, It is blatantly obvious that for some officers at least, such training is urgently required,' said McKay.

Ms. Kay appeared on Prime Time to discuss the incident in-depth and anlayse the fall-out both to victims of sexual violence and the Gardai. Click here to see the programme in full.

Click here to read the article about the incident in full and listen to the recording.