Victims of sexual violence could get increased protections from any potential threat by their attackers upon their release from prison under proposed legislation being put forward by Sinn Féin.
Judges would be able to issue civil protection orders to apply after the offender’s release under the Bill being put forward by the party.
Protection orders typically ban contact with a victim, using or threatening to use violence against them, and watching or being near a victim’s home.
Sinn Féin’s justice spokesman Matt Carthy was due to introduce the Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025 at first stage in the Dáil on Thursday.
RM Block
He said the legislation came about as a result of engagements he had had with a number of victims of sexual assault who “have got increasingly worried and anxious as the date of the release of the perpetrator comes closer”.
Mr Carthy said recourse available to the victims “has been incredibly limited”, and that victims are “dependent on the gardaí to follow up on other provisions in place”.
His party colleague, Dublin South Central TD Máire Devine, said there is an “epidemic” of violence against women, much of it perpetrated by former partners.
She said protection of women and children, once offenders are released from custody, is “of the utmost importance”.
Mr Carthy said Sinn Féin’s legislation would allow for a judge to apply a post-release civil protection order for offenders at the time of the initial trial, when a suspect is found guilty and sentenced.
He said: “At present under the harassment law there is a provision for judges to apply these types of orders post-release, but this isn’t there in terms of the civil protection orders in relation to sexual violence cases, so there’s an anomaly there.”
The Cavan-Monaghan TD said he is hopeful of support from all political parties and particularly the Government so the legislation can be enacted “as a matter of priority”.
