Police and the judiciary need to do better to deter rape – Ní Chuilín

After statistics were revealed that there were more rapes recorded in North Belfast last year than in any other part of the city - but less than 20 per cent resulted in police charges – Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said figures should be much higher.
“While these statistics are truly frightening, a lot of people still do not report rape and sexual violence so in that sense the figures should be a lot higher,” said Carál.
More rapes were recorded in North Belfast from April last year until March of this year than in the last five years but of the 42 allegations, only eight were charged.
“The police and the judiciary need to do better in terms of charging and convicting rapists if we are ever to have an effective deterrent. Proper resources need to be put in place so that confidence levels will go up and people will come forward,” said the Republican representative.

No funds for Rape Crisis Centre

Meanwhile Carál has condemned Health Minister Michael McGimpsey's decision not to reinstate funding to the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre in Belfast's Donegall Street.
“I think the minister needs to reconsider his decision,” said the Sinn Féin MLA.
“It is a people-centred, community-based organisation which has been there for a long time, helping people survive rape and sexual abuse.
“When I was on the Health Committee, there was heavy lobbying to have the Rape Crisis Centre funded and I think the minister needs to explain his decision.
“The gap in the services provided by the Rape Crisis Centre is that they have never had proper resources and rely heavily on goodwill and voluntary help.
“There needs to be an investment in survivors of these crimes and proper resources to stress that rape and sexual abuse will not be tolerated.”


For further information log on to www.rapecrisisni.com or phone the Rape Crisis Line 028 90 329002.