Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)

I thank Deputy Carthy and Senator Maria McCormack for the work they have put into this legislation. Most of all, I thank the women who have shared their horrific experiences of sexual violence. I welcome many of them into the viewing Gallery today.

The women I met today have unselfishly acknowledged that, in some cases, this legislation comes too late for them, but they are thinking of women who will come after them. As night follows day, there will be more such women. This Bill provides that when someone is convicted of a crime of sexual assault, a court could impose an order restraining the person convicted of the offence from approaching the victim. I do not think that is too much to ask. This is not just common sense; it is simply the right thing to do. Victims and survivors have made it clear that having such a provision in law would make a significant difference in their lives.

I was contacted by a woman in my constituency who asked that I share her story but also that she remain anonymous. She was sexually assaulted and the perpetrator was out of jail awaiting sentence. He was required to sign on every day in the Garda station close to her home. She would see him regularly. Three days after he pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault, he walked into the local shop. She froze and wanted to scream but moved herself to a safe space before she ran all the way home. Just before sentencing, she was out walking and almost bumped into him. She nearly walked out into oncoming traffic in her bid to protect herself, knowing that the last time he was that close to her, he was attacking her. While the judge recommended he does not come back to the area on his release, she is already dreading this day. It took her months to feel safe walking in her area again. She hopes to never have to feel fear like this again.

As a victim of such an horrendous crime, she was strong that night. She persevered through our justice system, not only to get justice for herself but to protect orders. She deserves to feel safe again. She and other victims and survivors feel that without the protection this Bill offers, they will continue to live in fear while their attackers are free.

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