Judges and lawyers to be trained on dealing with sexual violence complainants

The training is detailed in a report published by the government on reform of rape trials. Under the plan, judges will be trained on how to treat vulnerable people during sexual offence trials. 

The Bar Council will, additionally, set up a new training programme, to teach barristers how they should question vulenrable people during rape trials.

Any member of An Garda Síochána involved in frontline policing will also get training on how to handle vulnerable witnesses.

“When a person becomes the victim of a terrible crime, I want them to have confidence that the criminal justice system, and all those who work within it, will treat them with dignity and empathy and will support them at every turn,” Justice Minister Helen McEntee said.

She also said that free legal advice would be available to victims of sexual assault, including in cases where there is no prosecution.