Move along the bus, room for one more.

If this was a film you would say it was ridiculous or too boring.

The information released so far suggests very serious offences are alleged. A woman also charged alongside him for aiding

He has only been charged yet, so we should hang on.. doesn't look good though

The accusations are very serious, but the accused has said he will strenuously deny them.

eazybee

The accusations are very serious, but the accused has said he will strenuously deny them.

In the words of Mandy Rice-Davies, "Well, he would say that".

Political leaders are going down like ninepins.

I agree with all of the above. But we are supposed to be innocent until proved guilty. Nobody should be named until proved guilty as mud sticks. But, yes, how many more indeed!

Sarnia,. Cheap.

The answer is, as many as those who are guilty! Things won't change if people are not called out.

Why are these ‘accusations’ often historical? Why did the victims not report them at the time?

JamesandJon33 - it’s hard to believe you’re asking that question seriously.

Jeffrey Donaldson is free to visit the HoC despite the charges. Let’s hope he doesn’t

The Belfast Times says what most will be thinking about the alleged victims in this. Long discussion on mumsnet for anyone interested.

A guilty verdict has been passed!

JamesandJon33

Why are these ‘accusations’ often historical? Why did the victims not report them at the time?

I'm another one who can't believe you're asking that question. Do you know how utterly traumatising rape is? Do you know that it causes untold psychological damage to the victim and ruins their lives forever? Can you imagine relating such an ordeal in minute detail to anyone, let alone male police officers, and being subjected to the most intimate medical examinations?

Do you know the crushing, soul destroying shame the victim feels? And even after all of that, they are statistically highly unlikely to be believed. They are even less likely to be believed when their attacker is a powerful, well respected man with the establishment on his side and the money to fight them every inch of the way in the courts. Have you forgotten Jimmy Saville or the grooming gangs.

It can take years for a victim of rape to be in a "place" where they feel they can speak about it, let alone drag it through the criminal justice system. Perhaps they meet someone who gives them the right encouragement to come forward or they discover they are not the only victim of their attacker. Perhaps they have children which makes them more determined to safeguard their own daughter's future against such men.

I hope that clarifies some of your doubt.

I suspect janesandjon is a man

And - some victims are children, many of whom don’t tell anyone, or sometimes they confide in a trusted person in later life.

The real question we need to answer is why the sexual abuse of women and children is so prevalent.

No I’m not

The man hasn’t been to trial yet

I’m with JamesandJon on what is known so far. For instance there are cases where the alleged rapist genuinely thinks that the act was consensual. And how long ago? JD could have been a teenager or very young man for all we know. Is it right that the political career of someone who seems a decent man should be pulled down in 24 hrs because of an ‘historic’ event.

Thank you winterwhite. I have been in child protection all my working life and would champion the right of any woman, child or man, however long ago to speak out. However I have also seen the other side of the coin, the false accusations; and I am no way saying that is what these are. But with the political turmoil, lately in Ireland, I just wondered why two women had chosen this particular moment. Pointing no finger.
Not going half-cock as some of you have to me. Just considering .

I see the innocent until proven guilty doesnt apply to the women involved.

flappergirl I do not need a lecture

Have the accused been arrested?