AS THOUSANDS of Ukrainian women arrive in Ireland, there must be increased supports for non-English speakers reporting sexual and gender-based violence.
That’s according to Limerick Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne who is concerned that women and children refugees may be targets of sexual exploitation.
“As we see large numbers of refugees coming to Ireland, we must highlight the difficulties non-native English speakers have in reporting incidents of sexual violence. Unfortunately, women who are fleeing war and trauma are particularly vulnerable to abuse, Senator Byrne explained.
It can be extremely daunting for those with no, or a very low level of, English, to enter into a Garda station and recount their experience of sexual assault, harassment or violence,” she added.
