Ireland Discusses Gender Based Violence

RTE Radio 1 in Ireland reports that the Prime Minister of the Republic, Taoiseach Simon Harris has urged men "to take leadership positions and not allow the worst of us speak for the rest of us" in relation to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.  "Every time you see or hear misogynistic behaviour or commentary, call it out. Do not stay silent. Silence can be perceived as agreement." he said.Appealing for zero tolerance, Mr Harris continued that "there is always someone willing to defend the character of a rapist or a sexual predator," but "there are far too few people who will stand up for the rights of a victim or speak to their good name".  Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that women are "caught in a loop of deja vu and despair" as one case of sexual violence is followed by another.  She commended the "many brave women" who have shared their ordeals, "but women shouldn't have to be brave. These despicable crimes should not be committed in the first place."  Bríd Smith of People Before Profit Party said that there is "a problem with the judiciary" which is "staring everybody in the face", and said that retraining might be needed.   She called for an immediate overhaul of sex education, and noted that transgender people are "four times more likely than you or me" to be subjected to sexual violence.   Her colleague Mick Barry agreed that judges need mandatory training in this realm.