Survivors to set out for politicians the need for protection orders for victims of sexual violence

Survivors of sexual violence will tell TDs and senators of the need for a law to prevent perpetrators from approaching them upon their release from prison.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Matt Carthy TD, has organised today's briefing in Leinster House for TDs, Senators and staff on the Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025. It will be addressed by survivors Leona O’Callaghan, Sonya Stokes and Sheneda Daly as well as Dr Cliona Sadlier, Executive Director of Rape Crisis Ireland.

“I introduced the Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025 in June in direct response to discussions with victims and survivors of sexual violence who have made it clear to me that having such a provision in law would make a significant difference to their lives," said Deputy Carthy.

“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 on order restraining the person convicted of the offence from approaching the victim."

Deputy Carthy said he hoped for "cross party support" for the bill which is about "supporting victims and survivors as they try to rebuild their lives”.