Garda probe as ‘rape list’ found in school toilet
Threat made to sexually attack female students
GARDAÍ are investigating after a so-called ‘rape list’ was posted in the toilets of a school in Co Cork.
The list was found in the boys’ toilets of Davis College in Mallow.
It listed the names of a number of female students, alongside the words: “The ones with the most ticks is going to get raped.”
All those whose names were included on the list are minors and all are students at the school.
A representative for Davis College has said it was aware of only one such list – but it is investigating suggestions there may have been two other previous lists.
The matter has now been referred to gardaí based at Mallow garda station.
The female students were very upset by the publicity the incident had generated and worried it would distract them from their studies.
Last night, a parent of one of the girls involved said she was “distraught”.
Davis College stressed that it was taking the matter very seriously.
“The safety and well-being of all of our students is our top priority,” principal Stephen Gilbert said.
“We are taking this issue extremely seriously, and immediately took steps to address it with both the affected students and student body at large,” he added.
Mr Gilbert added that the list was removed immediately.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) director Clíona Saidléar expressed concern that any young man should “think threats to rape are a joke”.
GARDAÍ are investigating a so-called ‘rape list’ which was posted in the toilets of a school in Co Cork.
The list was found in the boys’ toilets of Davis College in Mallow.
It listed a number of young women alongside the words: ‘The ones with the most ticks is going to get raped.’
All those whose names were included on the list are minors and are all students at the school.
A representative for Davis College has said it is aware of only one such list – but it is investigating suggestions there may have been two other previous lists.
The young women were very upset by the publicity the incident has generated and worried it would distract them from their studies.
The matter has now been referred to gardaí based at Mallow garda station.
Last night, a parent of one of the girls involved said she was “distraught” after the issue first emerged on Cork’s RedFM.
“The minute that the school was made aware of this incident it acted quickly to have this list removed and sat down with each of the students directly affected, including my daughter,” they said.
“Following her conversation with her teachers in the school, she was ready to move on and put this unpleasant incident behind her.
“My daughter and our family do not want her personal life talked about in the media, on radio, print or online.
“This is something which was upsetting enough for my daughter at the time, and who now is distraught after hearing it being talked about across the airwaves.”
The parent said the concern was that, in a small community, “this type of information cannot be kept secret for long”.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) director Clíona Saidléar expressed concern that any young man should “think threats to rape are a joke”.
“This incident leaves many questions,” she said.
“RCNI acknowledge that Education Minister Richard Bruton has announced a review of the sex education curriculum in all schools, ensuring consent education is available. This is clearly urgent and important.”
Davis College stressed it was taking the matter very seriously and immediately took steps to address it. “The safety and well-being of all of our students is our top priority,” principal Stephen Gilbert said.
“This work is continuing. The list was removed the minute we were notified of its existence and we spoke to each of the young ladies mentioned to answer any questions or concerns they had.
“We encouraged them – as we encourage all of our students – to come to us with any issues that may be of concern so that we can support them in any way possible.”
It is understood an internal review is under way and, if the person or persons who compiled and posted the list are identified, they will face disciplinary action.
One theory being examined is that a single individual may have been involved.
Mr Gilbert said every support is being provided for the young women involved and their families.
“There has been a spotlight nationally on this topic in recent weeks,” he said. “We want students and parents to know that we will continue to provide a safe learning environment for our students.”
‘‘ The minute that the school was made aware of this incident it acted quickly to have this list removed