Gaps in the criminal justice system must be addressed

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said addressing gaps in Ireland’s criminal justice system would be a priority for Labour in Government.

Bacik said:

“The thoughts of us all are with Nikita Hand on the news of the outcome of her case yesterday. Recent incidents relating to violent and gender-based crimes have reminded us all of the flaws in the system.

“For many years I have highlighted the need to address issues in the justice system when dealing with domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

“While a practising barrister, working in criminal law, I saw first-hand how ill-equipped aspects of our criminal justice system are to address the reality of violent crime, and of gender-based violence.

“The level of people making contact with our national rape crisis helpline tells a story in and of itself. It is deeply concerning to read that there has been an increase in negative victim-blaming attitudes.

“The justice system is there to provide recourse to victims but time and again, we know that victims feel let down by the system. The lack of supports available can reinforce negative attitudes towards victims and survivors of gender-based crime, as the Rape Crisis Centres are reporting.

“This cannot continue. Victims of violent crime must be treated with compassion., and more must be done to prevent the occurrence of violence in the first place. Last year, nine women died violently in Ireland. Of the 266 women who have died violently in Ireland since 1996, one in two women were killed by a current or former partner.

“We all must take a stand against sexism and gender-based violence to ensure that ours is a safer, more equal country for all women and girls.

“It is time to act decisively to ensure that our legal system delivers true justice and support for victims of violent crimes.”