We are delighted to announce the Launch of our Drogheda Branch on Friday 29th January at the Boyne Valley Hotel, Drogheda. The launch will be performed by Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Justice Equality & Law Reform. The service will operate throughout South Louth incorporating the Drogheda and Ardee Garda Districts.

 

Press Release re Victim in Listowel Sexual Assault Case

Secondary Victimisation in Sexual Assault Case

The Federation for Victim Assistance is asking people to stop and think of the victim in the recent case of sexual assault heard at Tralee Circuit Court.

While we understand that this is an extremely difficult time for Mr Foleys family and friends it is important to remember that Mr Foley is not the victim in this case. He was tried and convicted in a court of law, found guilty by the jury who were unanimous in their decision and has the right to appeal.

On the other hand the victim has been vilified by sections of the community. Having had the courage to tell her story, one can only imagine the additional trauma of watching dozens of people sympathise with her attacker in open court. It is also important to remember that Mr Foley was already convicted and in custody at that time. This is a most inappropriate and unsafe practice which we urge both the courts service and the prison service to review. What kind of message does this send to someone who is a victim of sexual assault?

It is unacceptable for this young woman to be re-victimised by people having been vindicated in court. We are particularly horrified at the inappropriate comments and behaviour of a member of the clergy in this case and we welcome the remarks of Bishop Bill Murphy in disassociating both himself and the diocese from Fr Sheehy's actions. As a society we need to learn from the mistakes of our past, have we already forgotten the Murphy and Ryan reports? We must never go back to the culture of silence.