Sir, – The article by Una Mullally over-simplifies the terrible crime of rape (Opinion, September 23rd). She states that most violent crimes against women are committed by men: this is probably very true, but then it is also innocent other men who are most at risk of attack by violent men.
In saying other men have the power to stop violent crime, the article does not say how this is to achieved. It is as if she believes these crimes are discussed in advance with other men and that they somehow fail to intervene to save the victim. The men I know all abhor violence and would listen to any advice to be vigilant in certain areas of our cities, I don’t believe this is gender specific.
The very low conviction rate in rape cases is quoted, but it is a very hard crime to obtain a guilty verdict as it is usually one person’s word against another, without a witness. The juries are often comprised of at least 50 per cent females in rape cases, so unless the courts are expected to find everyone guilty, I am not sure how this is to be resolved. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN CLIFFORD,
Church Street,
Skerries, Co Dublin.