100 signatures reached
To: Northern Ireland Department of Justice
Abolish Good Character references in rape trials
We call for the immediate end of "Good Character" references during sexual assault trials- which will contribute to a shift in misconceptions & myths around rape & sexual assault that are prevalent throughout NI. More importantly, it will have a deep, meaningful impact for victims at the centre.
Why is this important?
To ensure Victims and survivors of sexual trauma are protected during the Court process. But also to dispel prevalent rape myths throughout our society that good character means someone is not capable of rape.
Allowing Good Character references during Rape trials is re-traumatising & unnecessary in proving someone is not a rapist. Good character tells us nothing about whether someone had consent, or had reasonable belief they had consent. Sexual assault, is when a sexual act takes place in the absence of CONSENT. Not the absence of good character.
The continuation of this evidence by the Judiciary which is at the top of our society, perpetuates the harmful & dangerous rape myth that if someone has a 'good character' this may be considered as evidence they have not committed the act of rape. We feel this is a huge omission of the key recommendations from the Gillen Review 2019.
These dangerous myths have only been further emphasised by remarks made by Judge Brian Sherrard KC during a trial in Dunnganon Crown Court, which has caused outrage across NI. Not least the "character reference" which was also given by a priest.
One of the key recommendations at point 4 within the Gillen Review, stresses the need for measures to be introduced at the outset of the trial to combat rape myths. We feel by continuing to allow such evidence, does the exact opposite.
We call for immediate action from the Assembly to ensure Victims and survivors of sexual trauma are protected during the Court process. But also to dispel harmful rape myths throughout our society that good character means someone is not capable of rape- THIS IS NOT TRUE!!
Allowing Good Character references during Rape trials is re-traumatising & unnecessary in proving someone is not a rapist. Good character tells us nothing about whether someone had consent, or had reasonable belief they had consent. Sexual assault, is when a sexual act takes place in the absence of CONSENT. Not the absence of good character.
The continuation of this evidence by the Judiciary which is at the top of our society, perpetuates the harmful & dangerous rape myth that if someone has a 'good character' this may be considered as evidence they have not committed the act of rape. We feel this is a huge omission of the key recommendations from the Gillen Review 2019.
These dangerous myths have only been further emphasised by remarks made by Judge Brian Sherrard KC during a trial in Dunnganon Crown Court, which has caused outrage across NI. Not least the "character reference" which was also given by a priest.
One of the key recommendations at point 4 within the Gillen Review, stresses the need for measures to be introduced at the outset of the trial to combat rape myths. We feel by continuing to allow such evidence, does the exact opposite.
We call for immediate action from the Assembly to ensure Victims and survivors of sexual trauma are protected during the Court process. But also to dispel harmful rape myths throughout our society that good character means someone is not capable of rape- THIS IS NOT TRUE!!
