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Limerick abuse survivors call for improvements to justice system
Limerick abuse survivors call for improvements to justice system. Photo via @thehavenhub Instagram
Victims and survivors of sexual abuse, Sonya Stokes and Leona O’Callaghan from Limerick, joined Shaneda Daly addressing Dáil Eireann about improvements needed in the justice system to protect abuse survivors
Victims and survivors of sexual violence, Sonya Stokes, Leona O’Callaghan, both from Limerick, and Shaneda Daly, spoke at Dáil Éireann, highlighting the need for protection orders following the release of their abusers from prison.
Earlier this year, the three activists spoke directly with Deputy Matt Carthy, Senator Maria McCormack of Laois, party leader Mary Lou McDonald, and many other Oireachtas members for a second meeting on improvements needed in the justice system for victims of sexual violence.
Following the address at Dáil Éireann, Haven Hub posted to social media, saying, “We’re so proud to see this vital bill for survivors of sexual abuse making its way through legislation. Every survivor deserves to feel safe after coming forward — this bill ensures protection orders can be granted post-release against abusers.”
The group thanked all of those who supported them through the process, including Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy TD, who introduced the Access to Justice – Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025. This important legislation, which passed First Stage in the Dáil earlier this year, proposes a new legal provision that would allow a person, where a court has found that an offence of sexual violence was committed against them, to be granted a civil protection order.
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Matt Carthy TD said he introduced the bill in June 2025 as a “direct response to discussions with victims and survivors of sexual violence” who he says made it clear “that having such a provision in law would make a significant difference to their lives”.
He said, “For victims and survivors, the challenges don’t end when the court case ends, even where there is a conviction. Victims of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse have spoken to me about the anxiety, stress, and fear which they feel as their assailants come to the end of their sentences.
“They fear contact from perpetrators and fear encountering that perpetrator as they go about their day to day lives.
“They have told me about the impact that this has on their lives, how they feel they are on a countdown clock to the release of that person.
“In some cases, these are people who exerted control over them as part of the abuse process and in some cases, there is a genuine fear that the perpetrator will seek retribution.
“Victims and survivors have told me they want to know that the perpetrator in their case will not be able to seek them out, approach them or harass them. This legislation provides that as the same time as someone is convicted of sexual violence, a court could impose an order restraining the person convicted of the offence from approaching the victim.”
The bill is expected to be presented to Oireachtas members on November 25 for a decision on whether or not it will be introduced in legislation.
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