Image-based sexual abuse: Law alone cannot solve the problem

Educating people about what consent means and empowering them to speak up when abuse occurs is equally important, says Catherine O'Sullivan lecturer in criminal law and Criminology at UCC 

The news that tens of thousands of sexual images of girls and women have been shared without their consent may provide the final push to get legislation passed. Picture: iStock

A bill’s journey from its introduction by a TD or senator before the Oireachtas to its enactment as legislation is frequently protracted, sometimes stymied and often needs a push or two to get it over the line.

The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017 is a case in point, the final push likely being the news that tens of thousands of sexual images of girls and women have been shared on Discord, an online group chat platform, without their consent.