Seanad debates

Friday, 2 June 2006

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Committee Stage.

 

6:00 pm

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)

In recent years we have all registered with horror the fact that most abuse is perpetrated by people who know their victims. It is family members or those in the care of adults who are abused. As Senator Maurice Hayes said, we must return to the issue and ensure that adequate resources be put into counselling for those who have been abused.

Last night on "Prime Time" we saw the two young women from Donegal and understood how horrible it is in our adversarial system that they must give evidence. We must develop and put more resources into video testimony, since the victims know the perpetrators. The Minister has made the point that the person should be able to defend himself or herself, but the normal situation should not apply in such abuse cases. We must fund counselling and video evidence. It is critical that we return to this as quickly as possible.

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