Trigger Warning: Sexual violence

In 2021, within three months, I reported sexual violence twice.

The first report was historical abuse I had suppressed as a survival mechanism.

The second was Sexual Assault by a predator who had clearly escaped prosecution before - allowing him to offend again.

When I reported, I told Gardaí I was documenting evidence so that if he harmed again, there would be a stronger case against him.

That is the reality many survivors face.

Until the system changes, survivors are often forced to choose between their healing and a justice process that can retraumatise them.

A reduction in sexual assault reports does not mean fewer assaults are occurring. It often signals that survivors understand the cost of reporting.

The legislative framework underpinning the system has not meaningfully changed since 1992.

Survivors face:

Lengthy investigations
Adversarial court processes
Low conviction outcomes
Public exposure
Emotional and financial strain

When repeat offenders are not held accountable, they are enabled.

Reduced reporting is not progress.

It reflects trust eroded.

Communities are not safer when reports decline.

They are quieter.

And quiet systems protect perpetrators  not survivors.