Rape support groups 'flooded with calls'

Reaction: Support groups working with rape victims say they are being inundated with calls from victims and their families who feel traumatised by the controversy.

Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said: "We're being absolutely flooded with calls. This is triggering the trauma for a lot of people. They're from people who may have been through the centre and received counselling, but they're now feeling a lot of anger and a lack of support."

While many victims said they felt let down by the State, she cautioned against people over-reacting. "The law that was struck down was just one aspect of the law which protects against rape and sexual assault."

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland also expressed unease with indications that the Government may opt to lower the age of consent.

Executive director Fiona Neary said: "The nation is now looking for leadership which reassures us that the line will be held in terms of the highest standards of child protection. Our Government is reacting by proposing new legislation which will lower the age of consent to 16. There is no public pressure for a lowering of the age of consent, and the RCNI are certainly opposed to it."

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, has written to the Minister for Justice asking for the promised forthcoming legislation on statutory rape to be referred to her office.