Tusla proposal 'gives abuser power over victim' again

A victim of sex abuse says allowing an alleged abuser to cross-examine their victim will stop people coming forward.

The proposal is contained in a draft document from Tusla, outlining new policies and procedures when dealing with victims of abuse, and has been widely criticised by social workers.

The Child and Family Agency says it aims to ensure social workers are aware of their duty regarding fair procedures, and to ensure court cases do not fail because incorrect procedures were followed by staff.

However Fiona Doyle, who suffered years of sexual abuse at the hands of her father, says it gives power back to the abuser.

She said: "When a victim stands up and makes their complaint against their abuser, they are reclaiming their power because they never had the choice as a child when it was being done to them.

"Now, with this report that was brought out today, it gives the abuser the chance to have power over a victim, which is something that they have had for years."