How Listowel Treats a Sexual Assault Victim

I really can’t believe this. A woman was violently attacked and sexually assaulted. She was left semi-conscious and semi-naked lying beside a rubbish dump. There was enough  evidence to convict her attacker, jail him for 7 years (with two years suspended, he’ll serve 5 with time off for good behaviour) and place him on the sex offenders list for life.

And, what do the community do? They queue up to shake the assailant’s hand – as if he’s suffered some great loss. As if it’s the funeral of his beloved. He’s been found guilty of a serious sexual assault and THEY QUEUED TO SHAKE HIS HAND.

The girl had with a Guard, a counsellor from the Rape Crisis Centre and a friend. I wonder did anyone shake her hand?

They were lead by their priest. A man who gave a glowing character reference for the attacker, describing him as “respectful of women”. A court of law found him guilty of a serious and vicious sexual assault for which he shows no remorse. He’s not a man who respects women.

I bet she’s devastated today and I’m ashamed. How can we expect women to come forward when faced with such an obvious show of disrespect and judgement?

Whoever she is, that woman can be very proud of having stood up for herself, for telling the truth and having the integrity to stick by what she believes. Fair play to you missus, whoever you are.

If you’d like to do something, you can send her something care of the Kerry Rape Crisis Centre, 11 Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry. As Maman Poulet suggests, maybe you could also donate some money.

Mark Coughlan also reminds us that this isn’t the first time this has happened.  While Gav also blogs on it, although I disagree with his take.