Limerick sexual abuse survivors back protection bill calling for political support to get it passed

THREE Limerick survivors of sexual abuse addressed the Dáil, backing a sexual violence bill, which would allow a court to impose a restraining order on a person convicted of a sexual violence crime to stop them from approaching their victim.

The Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025 was brought forward by  Matt Carthy TD. 

Leona O’Callaghan, who represented The Haven Hub Trauma Support Group having had a successful prosecution against Patrick “Whacker” O’Dea in 2018 explained: “This legislation would be a step in giving some sense of safety back to us knowing we have a level of protection against them, post release. 

READ ALSO: 'Red flags and missed opportunities' in a 'preventable' death - Limerick inquest hears

“The little Leona that was full of fear as a child deserved that protection, adult Leona deserves it now, but can’t get it.”

Shaneda Daly had to face the release of her father Harry Daly in recent years, after convictions of sexual abuse of her as a child. 

She said: “Nobody understands the terror that getting approached by your abuser brings to a victim. It soars through your body bringing you back to the feeling of being violated as a small child, nobody should have to go through that. This bill would be life changing for victims who have already had to endure the fear of their offenders and now deserve safety”.

Sonya Stokes also had to accept the release of her uncle Joseph Hogan earlier this year. He repeatedly raped her as a child.

She said: “Rape doesn’t end when the act ends. It lives on - in nightmares, in depression, in self-harm, in alcohol or drug abuse, and for some, tragically, in suicide. We survivors have been brave long enough. It’s time now for the State to be brave for us.

“That’s why Matt Carthy’s Bill matters so deeply. It would mean that when a rapist or sexual predator is sentenced, a protection order can be put in place there and then - not months later, not after we’ve had to beg or chase updates.”

It is expected that the bill will be presented to members of the Oireachtas on November 25, for a decision on whether or not it will be introduced in legislation and the three abuse survivors are calling on TDs and senators to support it.