A woman who was reporting 'multiple rapes' to Gardai has told researchers she was flirted with by an officer while making a statement.
The story is contained in a new study from One In Four, which tracked the progress of 15 survivors of sexual abuse through the justice system.
"I was there reporting multiple rapes and this guy was like, 'oh are you fit? You look fit. You run, oh cool - I'd say you've good craic on a night out,' and all this kind of stuff," this is the testimony of one survivor who spoke to researchers
However, while there were negative experiences about reporting sexual abuse, some spoke about feeling vindicated, or feeling lighter.
One person even told researchers they felt as though the officer was 'on their side' and they sensed the Garda was 'enraged' at the details in their statement.
Naomi Gould from One in Four is the report author, she says anyone taking statements from victims must be trained in how to do it sensitively.
"And how to approach a victim of sexual violence and treat them with dignity."
Just four of the fifteen cases examined resulted in a conviction but Senior Law Lecturer at UL Dr Susan Leahy says just being heard and respected helped some survivors:
"There's more to justice in this area, and fairness and respect to victims. Of course they want to see justice done, but making sure they're treated well in the process is also a form of justice."
The report recommends trauma training for frontline staff, a code of conduct for questioning at trial and reducing delays in legal proceedings.
