There has been a 150 percent increase in the amount of rape cases dealt with in the Clare Garda Division.
Ten incidents have been reported to Gardaí from January to September this year comparable with four in the same period in 2018. An eight percent rise in the amount of non aggravated sexual assaults were reported to Gardaí, up from twenty four to twenty six.
“We know the majority of these are historic claims,” Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran outlined at the October meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee. “The figures we want to see coming down are, there is a reason for these ones going up”.
More domestic incidents are also being reported in the county. Barring, safety and protection orders have been breached 45 times this year in comparison to 26 in 2018, a 73 percent difference. 291 domestic disputes have been dealt with by Clare Gardaí so far this year, the figure was 226 for the same time-frame last year.
Chief Supt Colleran stated, “I welcome the increase. These cases weren’t being reported before. People are now comfortable to come forward and report these crimes to the Gardaí. The stigma has been taken out of it”.
Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said the increase in six rape cases was “frightening”. The Ennis representative questioned what sanctions were in place for individuals who do not comply with barring orders. “It is very much case dependent,” Colleran confirmed, he said that certain restrictions may be in place.
Madeline McAleer, a Clare PPN representative on the committee felt it was “very difficult” to track what happens next after personnel are guilty of breaching barring orders. “We in Clare have been very active on the issue of domestic abuse, hopefully the good work will continue”.
If you’ve been affected by any of the contents in this article, please contact Rape Crisis Midwest (1800-311-511), One in Four (01-662-4070) or visit rapecrisishelp.ie.
