An updated SAVI report could give us a better understanding of sexual abuse in Ireland allowing for better policy formation down the line

Speaking following her attendance at the launch of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Annual Report 2012 this morning (Wednesday), Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, said the statistics contained in the report, while shocking, may not accurately reflect the true scale of the sexual abuse being experienced by the men and women of Ireland.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said that an updated SAVI Report, which the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s (DRCC) has said it would welcome, could give us a more accurate picture of the type of sexual crime that is being perpetrated across the country, and who the perpetrators are.

“The launch of the DRRC Annual Report this morning makes for stark reading. The fact that there has been an increase of 23% in first time callers to the National 24 Hour Helpline between 2009 and 2012 indicates the importance of the work being undertaken by the Centre, which offers a vital service to victims in need of support.

“The sad fact remains, however, that the number of those who seek help from the DRRC is likely to be just a fraction of those who have actually experienced sexual abuse and disclosed it accordingly. The SAVI (Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland) Report in 2002, which interviewed more than 3,000 randomly selected Irish adults anonymously, was thought to more accurately reflect the real prevalence of the sexual abuse being experienced in Ireland.

“The study, which was first proposed by the DRCC and was supported by Atlantic Philanthropies and additional Government funding, confirmed that a staggering amount of sexual abuse was going undisclosed, with 47% of those reporting abuse in SAVI never having told another person.

“One of the points made at this morning’s briefing was the fact that the disclosure notes that are taken by counsellors at the DRCC during the reporting of a crime could be acting as a dissuasive factor in men and women reporting crimes as often these notes are called on during court proceedings at a later date.

“It is also believed that following on from the Ferns, Ryan, Murphy and Cloyne Reports more people are coming forward to report abuse. It is essential that we lift the lid on sexual abuse in Ireland and put the systems in place to encourage victims to report crimes. The SAVI Report gave us a much greater understanding of the type of abuse being perpetrated in Ireland, who was being abused and who the perpetrators of abuse were. If we want to formulate policy to discourage sexual abuse, to better understand the nature of sexual violence in Ireland and to support the victims of abuse we need to have an accurate picture of what we are dealing with. Another SAVI Report would give us that view and point the best way forward in dealing with sexual crimes.”

Mary Mitchell O’Connor
Wednesday, 24th July 2013