‘Trial has raised consent issue’
THE CENTRE Manager at the Wexford Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service (WR&SASS) has voiced concerns that the reporting of the Belfast rape case will further deter anyone who might report rape.
Clare Williams, pictured below, was responding to the trial of Irish Rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, and their two friends Blaine McIlroy and Rory Harrison. Both Jackson and Olding were tried for rape, McIlroy for exposure and Harrison for perverting the course of justice. All four were found not guilty. She expressed her concern that the high profile nature of the trial would discourage people from reporting sex crimes.
‘Those who report in cases where the defence claims the sex was consensual will be afraid of the treatment they may receive in court. And yet, if complainants don’t report, rapists will not be brought to justice. If rapists are not brought to justice, the legal system is brought into disrepute; those who are harmed are not vindicated and our whole society is less safe.’
The case, she believed, had opened a debate on the meaning of rape and the meaning of consent.
She pointed out that
the issue was not whether sexual activity took place but, rather, whether that activity was consensual, remarking that sex without consent was rape. ‘The case also highlighted the need for all those engaged in sexual activity to ensure that their partner is consenting. As was stated, submission is not consent. A person
does not have to yell or call out for help. A person may be frozen. All of these are normal and real responses. They are not consent. Consent involves the active assent. Anything less is unacceptable. This is vital and must be understood by wider society.’
She believed that education was crucial in this regard, saying that the wide issue of sexual violence and consent had to be addressed and education was at the core of that.
‘The time has passed where a type of ‘nod’ and ‘wink’ is sufficient to communicate consent. Young people in particular must be allowed a space
where they can learn about consent and healthy relationships. Young people also must be given a space where gender equality and respect can be discussed.’
She highlighted a new programme on offer from the Wexford centre, called the Manuela Riedo Programme which is available to young people aged 15 to 17. Funded by TUSLA and the EU, it is currently being delivered in secondary schools and is open to any school or youth group that may be interested. A facility to train teachers, so that the programme can continue to be taught in the schools after the programme ends, is also available.’
Wexford Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service was set up in 1995 to help those affected by any type of sexual violence. In recent years they have seen a huge increase in demand for their service and anyone who reports a crime is seen as soon as possible to ensure that support is put in place.
Ms Williams remarked: ‘It is not an easy step to acknowledge the trauma, hurt and pain that has taken place but it is an essential one for recovery.’
For those affected by recent events please contact the WR&SASS on 1800 330033 or, out of hours, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 778888.