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Society welcomes sex crimes reform plan

The Law Society of Ireland has welcomed the launch earlier this week of a plan aimed at providing better support for victims in cases of sexual violence.

Supporting A Victim’s Journey: A Plan to Help Victims and Vulnerable Witnesses in Sexual Violence Cases was launched by the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. It details more than 50 individual reforms and sets out completion timelines.

A total of €2.3 million was secured in the recent budget for the measures, which includes the provision of free legal advice to sexual assault complainants, even where there is no prosecution.

O'Malley Review

Law Society President Michele O’Boyle (pictured) said the announcement was an important step in protecting vulnerable victims of sexual violence and facilitating a victim-centred approach to investigations and prosecutions of sexual violence cases.

The latest move follows the publication in August of the O’Malley Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses in the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences.

The Society had already welcomed the publication of that report and the adoption of key recommendations from the Law Society’s submission to the review.

Victim-centred approach

“Access to justice is a priority for the Law Society, and we welcome the move to provide free legal advice to victims of sexual assault, even where there is no prosecution,” said the president.

“Further, the adoption of the Law Society’s recommendation of specialist training for members of the judiciary, the legal profession and An Garda Síochána will ensure victims are supported sensitively and comprehensively throughout investigation and prosecution processes,” said President O’Boyle.

“I hope and expect this practical plan will improve the experience of victims of sexual violence coming through each stage of our legal system; from reporting a crime and receiving legal advice, to their experiences in court and during prosecution,” she added.

Accountability and implementation

President O’Boyle said the Law Society welcomed the minister’s detailed plan, clear assignment of responsibility, and the announcement of ambitious timelines for this plan’s completion.

“As part of this plan, the Law Society is examining its current training structures, and, where necessary, we will adapt to provide updated training to our members,” said Ms O’Boyle, who added that she looked forward to engaging with the minister on this issue in the future.