The Government has approved a new bill as part of its zero-tolerance plan.
Image via PexelsThe new bill on sexual offences and human trafficking will address some long-standing issues affecting victims and survivors of sexual violence.
The draft legislation includes the removal of some inconsistencies about the meaning of consent.
The bill will hope to strengthen the capacity to identify victims of human trafficking.
Along with providing anonymity to victims of sexual offences in court.
It would also allow the cross examination of anyone providing character references for those accused of sexual offences.
CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Noeleen Blackwell, says it will make people take the provision of references very seriously, as they will have to give evidence under oath:
'We accompany people to court, sitting beside somebody, sitting there saying that is literally not true.'
