Northern Ireland Rape Trial Highlights Rough Deal for Victims
| Publisher | Human Rights Watch |
| Publication Date | 18 April 2018 |
| Cite as | Human Rights Watch, Northern Ireland Rape Trial Highlights Rough Deal for Victims, 18 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b39f2bea.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Rugby Clubs Set Good Example, But Legal Reform Needed
April 18, 2018 12:01AM EDT Dispatches
Hillary Margolis, Researcher, Women's Rights Division
A rally held in support of the woman at the centre of the Belfast rape trial in which all four defendants including Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were acquitted of all charges, Belfast, March 31, 2018. © Felix McHenry/Twitter
An unlikely source took a stance on respect for women: professional rugby. Two Northern Ireland players had their contracts revoked following their widely publicized rape prosecution.
Both players, Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, were acquitted of rape of a woman in 2016 when she was 19, but the trial revealed several players' text messages bragging about what they considered sexual conquests, while referring to the woman in degrading, nauseating terms. On Saturday, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Ulster Rugby let the players go for failure to uphold "core values of the game," including respect and integrity.
These sports bodies have taken an important – and sadly uncommon – step in doling out consequences for unacceptable behaviour, even if it was spurred by financial concerns.
But in the Belfast courtroom, the woman herself seemed to be on trial. She was subjected to eight days of cross-examination by four lawyers. They critiqued everything from her grammar to the fact she didn't scream for help. She reportedly had to withstand jurors inspecting her underwear. And though a curtain shielded her from the accused, inside was a video camera broadcasting her face to the courtroom, which was open to the public. One reporter called it "rape trial tourism" as visitors came for the spectacle. Is it any wonder the victim's identity – sexual assault victims are guaranteed anonymity in the media – was revealed on social media?
For my work with Human Rights Watch, I document rape and other horrific rights abuses daily. Yet the Belfast rape trial brought me to tears, repeatedly.
Protests in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic in the trial's wake underscore the public's concern about sexual violence and treatment of its victims. Leaders in Northern Ireland have promised to review and reform legal protections in sexual assault cases. But political deadlock stands in the way of forming a government and any legislative action.
When Northern Ireland has a government, it should prioritize these reforms, in line with international guidance. This includes closing the courtroom to the public and minimizing how often victims must recount their experiences. It should also grant sexual assault victims the right to legal representation.
Other professional sports organizations should follow the rugby teams' lead and not excuse sexist, degrading conduct. But without legal reform, rape victims in Northern Ireland are likely to think even harder before they dare come forward to seek justice.
Link to original story on HRW website
