‘Unacceptable delays’ in justice system as victims of sexual violence wait four years for their cases to be heard

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Victims of sexual violence are waiting up to four years for their cases to be heard and experiencing “prolonged trauma” as a result of these “unacceptable delays”.

Asking that Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan “fast-track” cases involving sexual, domestic, and gender-based violence, Wexford councillor Aoife Rose O’Brien said the recent fuel protests showed that “expedited processes are achievable” if the will is there.

“During the fuel protests people were arrested and brought before the courts in a number of days, and yet victims of sexual abuse have to wait up to four years. This is outrageous, it’s prolonging trauma,” she said at the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.

Cllr O’Brien submitted a motion at the meeting, subsequently seconded by Cllr Mary Farrell and carried by the council, which noted “with concern” the “unacceptable delays in Ireland’s justice system, where victims of sexual, domestic, and gender-based violence can wait up to four years for cases to be heard”.

Cllr Aoife Rose O'Brien. © Jim Campbell

Recognising the “serious harm and prolonged trauma these delays cause”, Cllr O’Brien called upon Minister O’Callaghan to “prioritise cases involving sexual, domestic, and gender-based violence”, introduce a fast-track system to ensure cases are progressed efficiently with a hearing taking place within 12 months of the incident or report, and provide “adequate support” for victims and “increased resources” to ensure accountability for perpetrators.

While many of the cases in question continue to slowly make their way through the courts, Cllr Lisa McDonald, a solicitor by trade, offered some hope that the backlog in the nation’s courts may soon be cleared.

“New family courts coming in next year which will be rolled out over a three-year period,” she said. “This will massively alleviate the burden on district and circuit courts.”