A campaign to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence focusing on the stories of victims and survivors has been launched by the Minister for Justice.
It is the first national awareness-raising campaign by Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) Agency which was established a year ago.
The intention of the campaign is to encourage and empower people to come forward.
The overarching message is that Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is prevalent in Irish society, however it is often hidden or ignored, according to Cuan CEO Dr Stephanie O'Keeffe.
"With this campaign we hope to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence within our society, encourage victims and survivors not to suffer in silence and to recognise that by telling their story they can reclaim their power," she said.
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Victims of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence need to know that they are not alone, said Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan.
"An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other services, including the vital supports provided by our community, NGO and voluntary sector, are available to listen and to help," he said.
The minister said that through the national strategy to combat Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence called Zero Tolerance, "significant progress is being made" in combatting these crimes and making the justice system more accessible and victim-focused.
The launch took place at the same time as the introduction of a Private Members' motion in the Dáil on Gender Based Violence by Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger.
Ms Coppinger introduced a 10-point plan as part of the motion calling for action.
They are calling for the removal of access to counselling or therapy records in sexual violence trials.
Mr O'Callaghan said he would review the use of counselling notes by defence teams in sexual assault trials.
He said it was his understanding that Section 19a of the 2017 Sexual Offences Act dealt with the issue of counselling notes.
He expressed concern that the provisions contained in the act were not being applied at present.
However, Mr O'Callaghan added he would "go back and look at it again".
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