Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy is urging Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to support new legislation aimed at protecting victims of sexual violence.
The Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025 would allow courts to issue protection orders preventing offenders from contacting victims after their release from prison.
Carthy, Sinn Féin's Justice Spokesperson, says victims continue to live in fear even after convictions.
He says the bill will make the judicial process more supportive for victims and help survivors rebuild their lives.
Deputy Carthy plans to bring the legislation to second stage before the end of the year and is seeking cross-party support.
In a statement he said: "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."
“I welcome the fact that the Minister for Justice has confirmed that he has read the legislation which I brought forward and has said that he will give it consideration. I believe that if he listens to what the victims of sexual violence say, then he will get behind this necessary legislation."
