CAMPAIGNERS against sexual violence have hit out at comments made by a senior defence barrister during the rugby rape trial regarding 'middle class' women not tolerating rape.

Louise Kennedy of Women's Aid NI said she feared some of the statements made in the case of four Ulster rugby players, who were cleared of all charges, would adversely impact women coming forward to report crimes.

During the trial in Belfast defence barrister Frank O'Donoghue QC, who represented Stuart Olding, told the jury there were a string of questions police should have asked the woman who made the allegations.

"Why didn't she scream the house down?" he said

"A lot of very middle-class girls were downstairs.

"They were not going to tolerate a rape or anything like that."

The Irish News contacted the Bar Library and asked Mr O'Donoghue to respond to the criticism to his comments. So far however there has been no response.

Read more: Paddy Jackson can make bid to recover legal defence costs

Hard partying Ulster rugby players cause rift in dressing room

The Women's Aid worker said her organisation was "very clear" that rape "does not discriminate against anybody" and that most victims did not "scream or run away" but instead became numb with fear.

Ms Kennedy, who is the body's Regional Policy and Information Co-ordinator, said: "It's common knowledge that the trauma response of the body system is not just 'fight or flight'. It's a bit deeper than that," she added.

"You could fight or might run away - but many people freeze, tense up and do nothing, you then might start diplomatically try to convince someone to stop and then you may go completely limp.

"With regards to 'middle class' women not 'tolerating rape', we are very clear we support victims of domestic and sexual violence across Northern Ireland. It does not discriminate between class, ethnicity...abuse and rape happens everywhere.''

The leading campaigner said the Women's Aid helpline had received distressed calls since the trial started two months ago from victims who said it had "put them off ever reporting rape of sexual violence to police" or "going through the criminal justice system".

There has been severe criticism of "vile" comments made about the woman at the centre of the trial on social media.

Read more: Campaigning doctor urges rape victims to seek help at pioneering support centre

South Belfast Green Party assembly member Clare Bailey, who works for the support group Nexus, expressed concern about any suggestion that someone from a more privileged background cared more about rape victims.

"Rape is not just a sexual crime, it is about power and control," Ms Bailey said.

Ms Bailey said she was aware victims had been "re-traumatised" by the coverage of the trial both in mainstream media and on Twitter.

Read More

• Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding found not guilty of rape
• Paddy Jackson can make bid to recover legal defence costs
• Campaigning doctor urges rape victims to seek help at pioneering support centre
• Allison Morris: There were even giggles in the public gallery as graphic details of alleged rape were read out (Premium)
• Alleged victim's name was posted on comments section of an online news site
• Relatives clasped each others' hands and openly wept as verdicts delivered
• Victims' support group calls for review into how trials are conducted
• Allison Morris: I have two daughters and would not encourage them to go through retraumatising rape trial (Premium)
• One of the most expensive rape trials in UK judicial history
• 'I Believe Her' rallies planned across Ireland
• Ireland rugby captain Rory Best's decision to attend court on day two of the rape trial provoked a storm of criticism
• About the rugby rape trial judge Patricia Smyth
• PSNI says woman at centre of trial 'upset and disappointed' at verdict
• Paddy Jackson's lawyers say status as famous sportsman 'drove the decision to prosecute'
• Paddy Jackson's lawyers call for crackdown on 'vile' social media commentary during criminal proceedings
• Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding 'will continue to be relieved of all duties' as review takes place
• Stuart Olding faces major battle to return to pinnacle of his sport
• Paddy Jackson had unwavering support from his parents
• Stuart Olding: I deeply regret events of that evening... I am sorry for the hurt caused to the complainant
• Blane McIlroy admitted being prone to exaggeration
• Rory Harrison had been working in Australia before he flew home to stand trial
• Video: Paddy Jackson thanks judge and jury for fair trial
• Public Prosecution Service: 'Ultimately right' rugby rape case was brought to trial