A WEEK on from the verdict in the Jeffrey and Eleanor Donaldson case, the stories continue to come out about who knew what and when, who they told, and whether anything was done about it.

The most galling and reprehensible, however, are the “I knew he was a wrong ‘un” themed reports. The question is: if you knew, what did you do?

There is a tension, too, in speaking or writing about the two victims in this case who came forward to report their experiences.

Regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings, it takes immense courage to disclose abuse, participate in a lengthy legal process and have deeply personal experiences subjected to public scrutiny.

Noel Doran: The Jeffrey Donaldson I saw in south Down

Newton Emerson: The political fallout from Donaldson’s downfall may only be beginning

Speaking about sexual abuse is never easy. Doing so within the framework of a criminal investigation into a public figure, where every detail will be examined, challenged and debated, requires extraordinary resilience.

Yet despite growing public awareness of sexual violence, society often continues to place an enormous burden on those who come forward.

The Donaldson case has once again highlighted the difficult reality faced by victims and witnesses of sexual crimes.

For many survivors, reporting abuse is not the beginning of justice but the beginning of another ordeal that involves years of investigations, legal........

© The Irish News