A woman has told a Dublin court that her father sexually abused her from the age of 13, with the alleged abuse resulting in two pregnancies over the course of their relationship.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, gave evidence this week in what has been described as a deeply distressing case. She told the court the man first came into her life when she was 13 years old and that he “abused me all my life” from that point forward.
The court heard that the alleged abuse was sustained and ongoing, spanning a significant period of time. The woman told jurors the man was her father and that the sexual abuse she suffered at his hands ultimately led to two pregnancies.
Giving her testimony, the woman described the profound impact the alleged abuse had on her life. Her account painted a picture of a young girl who was targeted by someone who should have been a protector, instead becoming her abuser over many years.
The case is being heard before a jury and the accused has not yet entered his defence. The woman’s evidence forms the central part of the prosecution case, with the court expected to hear further testimony in the coming days.
Cases involving alleged intrafamilial sexual abuse are among the most complex heard before Irish courts. Victims in such cases are automatically granted anonymity under Irish law, protecting their identity throughout any legal proceedings.
The trial is ongoing.