A rally is being held in Ennis this lunchtime in support of survivors of sexual crime.
Its one of a number of similar events taking place across the country in response to the acquittal of four men in the Belfast rape trial yesterday.
At Belfast Crown Court yesterday, rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were found not guilty of raping the same woman in Jackson’s home, while two of their friends were acquitted of other charges relating to the same case.
But the public nature of the trial and its accompanying commentary on twitter has raised questions about the use of social media during proceedings.
Barrister Michael O’Higgins doesn’t think any trials have been negatively affected, yet.
Calls and donations to rape crisis centres spiked in the wake of the verdict with the “I Believe Her” hashtag trending for a time on twitter.
Rape Crisis Midwest has described some social media commentary surrounding cases such as this as unhelpful.
Senior Therapist Ingrid Wallace believes a “mob mentality” emerged at times over the past 24 hours.
A number of rallies are being held across the country this lunchtime in support of survivors of sexual crime, including in Clare.
Demonstrators will gather at O’Connell Monument in Ennis from 1:30 pm.
Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger is taking part in the Dublin demonstration and she says she’ll be raising the matter in the Dail today.
