Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have no wish to take too much time either. It is important to acknowledge the importance of the amendment. There are as many situations of coercive control as there are women who have been subject to it. It can last years and it can be extremely subtle. There is such an abuse of power as well as manipulation and gaslighting. I have met many narcissists who literally spend their time trying to undermine everything a woman is as a person and who use every vulnerability a woman has against her. This amendment goes a long way to acknowledging how entrenched control and manipulation affects women, for the most part, and men as well. It has a lasting effect and it can take many years to get over the traumatic experience of being controlled and manipulated in that way.

I thank the Minister of State on behalf of myself and all the women I have supported over the years for acknowledging these matters in the legislation.