James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. As can be seen from the zero tolerance strategy published by the then Minister for Justice, Deputy Helen McEntee, last summer, the Government is committed to tackling sexual violence in all its forms. The Government’s plan recognises the importance of strong legislation, reporting, supports for victims and a co-ordinated approach in our work with victims, and it outlines the actions we will take in each of these areas. Sexual assault treatment units carry out important work under the remit of the HSE and the Department of Health and I very much appreciate and support their 24-7 work all around the country in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Waterford, Mullingar and Donegal. A sexual assault treatment centre is a safe place to go and can provide health checks and medication, and can carry out an exam to get evidence following a sexual assault or rape.

Historically, the criminal justice system has not treated victims of sexual violence in a way that instilled confidence in it but we are working to change that so more victims will feel empowered to report what has happened to them. The significant rise in the numbers attending the units mirrors the increased reporting across the criminal justice system. My Department is continuing to reform the system to make it more victim-centred and evidence-informed, to strengthen relevant legislative provisions and ensure gardaí are properly resourced. While I am determined to strengthen our legislation in this area, I know this is only one element of what is needed. Building the confidence of victims of sexual crimes so they will report what has happened and get the justice they deserve is also key.

I am also very aware of the importance of comprehensive and robust data in this area. That is why my Department commissioned the CSO to undertake a national survey of the prevalence of sexual violence, the results of which are expected next month. This will provide an important baseline for evaluating the vital work across all of government under our zero tolerance strategy. While we might all wish that crimes of this type never take place, it is a positive that people are reaching out for help and we will continue working across the whole of government to encourage more victims to come forward. When people experience assault, they should feel safe and confident to come forward and get help. That is the cornerstone of the actions set out in Supporting a Victim’s Journey, a number of which have already been implemented, including increasing funding for NGOs providing accompaniment, information and support services, the complete roll-out of divisional protective services units and the introduction of a specialised sexual offences unit in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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