Anti-violence against women demonstrations to be staged in solidarity with assault victim

Demonstrations will be held in cities across the country on Saturday in solidarity with a young woman assaulted by a member of the Defence Forces.

Natasha O'Brien (24) was knocked unconscious during an attack on O'Connell Street in Limerick City in May 2022.

Earlier this week, serving soldier Cathal Crotty (22) was convicted of assault and received a three-year fully-suspended jail term.

The leniency of the sentence has drawn major criticism and calls for changes to the criminal justice system.

Protests called by @RosaSocFem in Limerick, Dublin and Cork this Saturday against the misogynistic judicial system. #NoJusticeNoPeace pic.twitter.com/6zKgOzwLY4

— ROSA Limerick (@RosaLimerick) June 21, 2024

A series of protests to show solidarity with Ms O'Brien and highlight violence against women will be held on Saturday, organised by social feminist group Rosa.

The demonstrations will take place in Limerick, Cork and Dublin, while a protest has also been organised by a group of activists in Galway.

Protesters are set to gather on Grand Parade in Cork City from midday, at the Spire in Dublin City Centre from 1pm, and on Bedford Row in Limerick from 3pm.

The demonstration in Galway is due to take place in Eyre Square at 2pm.

Speaking to Newstalk ahead of the demonstrations, Rosa spokesperson Ruth Coppinger said a number of steps need to be taken to keep women safe.

"We need a massive overhaul of the legal system to make it possible for women and for LGBT+ people to get justice in this country.

"[The demonstrations are] to show solidarity, but also reflect that there has to be change, and the only way that that's going to happen is by people coming out onto the streets and putting pressure on the political establishment who've done very little on this issue."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Women’s Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Men’s Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information. 

Safe Ireland also offers a number of local services and helplines at safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.