On Tuesday 26 November, the National Women’s Council and Women’s Aid Federation NI will launch a pivotal report, North-South Cooperation to tackle Violence Against Women, marking the beginning of a vital dialogue between organisations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
Women have been let down in this country time and time again.
From lenient sentences for violent attacks to fatal flaws in the health system, we have repeatedly been dismissed, overlooked, and abandoned by the people we put in power to protect us.
However, slowly, particularly over the last six months, the needle has started to move.
While there have been significant advances towards ending violence against women on both sides of the border, there is an epidemic of violence in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the recent spate of murders and attacks in the North highlights just how much work is still to be done.
The North-South Cooperation to tackle Violence Against Women Report will highlight the unique and ongoing challenges and barriers posed by the border in providing consistent support to victims-survivors; the vital role that civil society is playing to support women and children with limited resources; and examines added complexities that have arisen as a result of Brexit changes. The report is the culmination of a joint project by the National Women’s Council and Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland in leading the All Island Violence Against Women Working Group, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Shared Island Civic Society Fund.
In August of this year, Limerick woman and survivor Natasha O’Brien wrote an open letter for Irish Country Magazine outlining her despair at the lack of justice she received after the brutal attack on her life, her determination to invoke change, and her hope for future generations of women in Ireland. Read the letter as it appeared in print below:
The Time is Now
“It is time to no longer accept unjust sentences in the Irish Courts. It’s time for the state to put victims first. It’s time to make tangible change about how we, as an Irish society, face male violence head on as the huge problem it is. Often, it’s talked about and promises are made, but we rarely see any changes. So, let’s change the absence of change.
It has always been time for change, and there will always be a need for change. It is not just a necessity; it is a constant in the evolution of humanity. We all experience it in various forms throughout our lives. Change is such a fundamental part of life! So, why does our outdated justice system resist evolving with us? A system that is supposed to support and protect our society. The truth is, our justice system isn’t broken; it’s functioning exactly as it was intended—but that design no longer serves us. It’s time that it is redesigned to reflect the realities and values of modern Irish life.
I Will Not Be Silenced
I am a survivor of a vicious physical assault, carried out by a soldier in the Irish Defence Forces. The night I was attacked, I was on my way home from work when I saw a young man walking alone, targeted by a group of males shouting homophobic abuse at him. I couldn’t stand by and let harm come to another person, so I stepped in to deescalate the situation. I asked them to stop. That’s when I was attacked. I went into a state of shock, unable to comprehend why I was being targeted. I felt utterly helpless, reduced to a mere punching bag, stripped of my humanity. No one deserves to experience that.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to still be here today. Speaking up for what’s right isn’t always easy – trust me, I know. But I believe we live in a society where we care for one another, where we look out for each other. I will continue to make a conscious effort to stand up for what’s right. Had I been the victim of that hateful verbal abuse, I would have hoped that someone else would stand up for me. When the situation escalated to physical violence, a passerby—a complete stranger—rushed to my aid, pulling my attacker off me.
It’s terrifying to think about how differently that night could have ended if it weren’t for that brave soul. But that’s the thing: there was someone else like me that night, someone who believed in doing the right thing. That person saved me. I believe that the good in people will always outweigh the bad. There was more good than bad that night, and that is why I am here today. I am alive. I have a voice. I am not afraid to use it and most importantly, I will not be silenced.
Empty Promises
A national strategy for Zero Tolerance of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence was published in June 2022—the same month I was attacked and just five months after the tragic murder of Aisling Murphy. According to the Department of Justice, this strategy rests on four pillars: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Policy Coordination. The aim, they claim, is clear: “Only through a society-wide effort can we achieve real change. Together, we can and must do everything in our power to bring about change and achieve Zero Tolerance.”
A more fitting description would be a “High Tolerance Policy,” provided by the Department of Injustice. The government has utterly failed in its duty to protect the people of Ireland. Since my attack, countless more survivors have endured inhumane treatment within our courts. Despite repeated calls for action in the Dáil, we continue to see only empty promises. Meaningful action needs to be taken now. It’s time for the government to fulfil its responsibility and implement real, tangible changes to protect our citizens.
The Irish Justice System
Like many before me, I have been failed by the Irish Justice System and the Irish State. After giving my statement to the Gardaí, I endured two long years of uncertainty and silence. But the most harrowing experience came in the courtroom. Facing my attacker for the first time since that night, walking up to the stand to read my Victim Impact Statement—it was all deeply traumatising. The insensitivity I encountered, the cold, procedural handling of my pain, was nothing short of dehumanising. It is already a heavy burden to bear as a victim of violent crime, but to be retraumatised and belittled by a system meant to protect us, is utterly unacceptable.
Despite overwhelming evidence, my attacker received a fully suspended sentence and walked free. I was devastated, but given the track record of our country’s sentencing, I wasn’t surprised. As I concluded my Victim Impact Statement, I told the judge, “I am here to seek justice, not just for myself, but to protect others from the violence and malice I experienced.” But justice was not served. In our system, a victim’s voice may be heard, but it is rarely listened to.
Suspended Sentences Enable Violence
Suspended sentences fail as a deterrent to violence. They send a clear message to our nation: that violent behaviour is tolerated and excused. This leniency is not only detrimental to preventing future violence but also emboldens offenders. It teaches them that their actions have no real consequences, fostering a mindset that leads to re-offending. The system itself is culpable for cultivating individuals who believe they have the right to harm others. If there were firm consequences for violent acts, we might see a significant reduction in such crimes.
Our lives are invaluable. It is unacceptable for anyone to harm another person in any capacity. The justice system must place the lives of victims at the forefront, treating each one with the humanity they deserve. The futures of criminals should never take precedence over the suffering they’ve caused.
There is NO MORE TIME to wait. The time for change is now. We deserve the justice and protection we demand.
The Power of the People
I walked out of that courtroom two months ago, completely shattered. I felt so worthless and invisible. When a reporter asked me if I thought justice had been served, I was overwhelmed with emotions and confusion. I felt utterly alone. But now I know I am no longer alone. The solidarity and support of Ireland has filled me with strength and hope and I am determined to further spread that strength and hope. There are many of us in this fight together. The power for change lies in each and every one of our voices. One voice can start a conversation, but it is up to all of us to keep that conversation going.
The people in power have been placed there by us, it is time they listened to us. We are an unstoppable force when we come together.
I am using my experience to push for change. Nothing has been done to better protect or support victims of crime. I will continue to do everything in my power to keep the pressure on. We often say “not one more”, but the reality is that there will be more. We cannot allow this system of pain, injustice, and empty promises to continue.
The time is now. Together, we can demand and create the change we so deeply deserve.”
Follow @natashaobrienlimerick for updates on protests and public reform meetings.
This letter first appeared in the Sept|Oct 2024 issue of Irish Country Magazine.
