Ms Caroline Counihan:

I consulted various managers and counsellors in our network and the response was, without criticism of the Probation Service, that our clients associate probation officers with the accused and the interests of the accused.

They did not feel it would be easy for those victims to be open, frank and part with any meaningful information. When dealing with the impacts of sexual violence, it takes time for a victim to build up a relationship where she can be full, frank, open and be herself in getting to the depths of the impact of the crime. As far as sexual violence victims are concerned, that suggestion does not seem to be workable.