The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said a woman, who said she has become isolated from the rest of the Traveller community for bringing her husband to court "deserves respect and support for taking this extremely tough decision".
The 25-year-old, who cannot be identified to protect his wife's identity, was convicted following a trial earlier this year of the rape, sexual assault, false imprisonment and making threats to kill his wife at the family home in Dublin on a date in September 2023.
The Central Criminal Court heard that the victim is now raising her children alone, having become isolated from the rest of the Traveller community for bringing her former husband to court.
The woman said it was "not the Traveller way" to bring their own to court and she had believed for a time he would do better.
The Chief Executive of the DRCC said it takes "immense courage and determination" to make a disclosure or report a crime in such complex personal circumstances.
Rachel Morrogh said: "Disclosing and reporting an experience of sexual violence can be incredibly hard and at Dublin Rape Crisis Centre we hear regularly about the many different types of barriers facing survivors who do so."
"When the perpetrator is a spouse or partner, this adds to the hurt and betrayal. For some people, these barriers are further compounded by a cultural, religious or family environment that makes it even more challenging to share their experience, and particularly to seek justice through the legal system, which is already a difficult process," she added.
Ms Morrogh said: "In this case of a young Traveller woman who was raped and assaulted by her husband, she deserves respect and support for taking this extremely tough decision."
She said the DRCC wants people of all backgrounds, genders and ages to know that "free, confidential and round-the-clock support is available for any incident of sexual violence".
"Calling our highly experienced crisis counsellors on the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline is the first step to therapeutic support and care.
"There is no requirement to report to authorities. We can provide specific information, referral and support for victims being subjected to sexual assault or rape in their home, because we recognise the additional complexities and worries they face."
Ms Morrogh said her message is that "no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from or what you've experienced, please do reach out for help".
"None of this was ever your fault, you are in no way to blame and you do not deserve to face sexual violence alone," she added.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline can be contacted on 1800 778 888.
