Solicitors and Gardai to get specialised training on handling sexual violence cases
Judges, solicitors, Gardai and others are to be given specialist training on how to support victims through the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence cases.
The planned training was announced today by Justice Minister Helen McEntee as she launched a Government plan to help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases.
The Minister said the plan outlines how she will reform the system of investigating and prosecuting sexual crimes to create a victim-centred approach.
Over 50 individual reforms are included in the 'Supporting A Victim’s Journey' document, with responsibility assigned within government for each reform and timelines set out for their completion.
"When a person becomes the victim of a terrible crime, I want them to have confidence that the criminal justice system, and all those who work within it, will treat them with dignity and empathy and will support them at every turn," said the Minister.
She said that tackling sexual, domestic and gender based violence was one of her key priorities, and that the plan launched today would place the victim of the centre of the criminal justice process from the moment a crime is committed.
The plan which was launched today can be read here: