MOST SURVIVORS of rape have a positive experience of the Garda but it is critical that they feel confident they will be treated with dignity and respect at every stage of their journey.
That is according to the support group Rape Crisis Network Ireland which said research showed the attitudes of gardaí can have a strong influence on whether the survivor stays within the legal framework.
The network said survivors of sexual violence attending rape crisis centres are choosing to report these crimes to gardaí in increasing numbers.
The network cited latest research concluded in 2009 which it said showed 38.4 per cent of survivors of adult sexual crimes attending rape crisis centres did report the crimes to the Garda.
The network noted the figure has been increasing and was at just 19.2 per cent in 2006.
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