Sexual abuse survivor Sonya Stokes campaigns for automatic protection orders for victims

Campaigner wants automatic protection orders, stronger safeguards and better support for victims after convictions

Survivor Sonya Stokes: 'People need help immediately after trauma, not years later.’ Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

When Sonya Stokes walked into Buswells Hotel after recently addressing the Oireachtas committee on proposed protection order legislation, she carried herself with the calm confidence of someone long used to fighting battles.

Dressed simply, speaking carefully, and never losing focus, the 48-year-old Limerick woman sat down ready to talk not just about her own trauma, but about the thousands of survivors she believes Ireland continues to fail.