‘Natasha O’Brien did what I haven’t been able to. She spoke up and stood up...’

The case of Natasha O’Brien sparked a national outcry and led thousands of people to take to the streets to express their outrage. But, for a number of women, it has also reignited the trauma caused by their own experiences of male violence. Today, two women tell their stories

The author asks: 'How many more protests will there have to be before we change things so that women are safe?'

I was 40-years-old when I was raped. In my own home, in my spare bed. In the middle of the night, by a man who I was due to be married to.

I still can’t say the word comfortably, but today it’s particularly difficult because of the latest failure in Ireland’s judicial system. There’s a silent scream and a physical pain that’s truly exhausting, because yet another woman has been added to the list of women Ireland does not value, protect, or keep safe.