There's been a broad welcome to government plans that will strengthen laws in the area of domestic violence.
The laws aim to give 'fresh hope' to victims, but the government is being warned that it needs to back them up with increased investment in social services.
Minister Frances Fitzgerald's new bill puts forward a wide range of measures aimed at helping victims of domestic violence.
Several of them relate to making the courts process easier for a complainant, including that they can give evidence by video link to reduce risk of intimidation.
The new law would also allow for a domestic violence offender to be barred from communicating electronically with their victim.
Denise Dunne of Clare Haven Services feels that's important.
The new Bill has been welcomed too by Shannon Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy.
He previously spoke in the Oireachtas of how he witnessed dometic violence in his own home, by his father who he described as a "thug and bully"
He's hopeful the Bill, once passed, will reduce instances of domestic violence.
TDs and Senators are expected to pass the Bill later this year, but Denise Dunne says it's vital that more action is taken in this area.
While the coalition is set to pass new laws, she also believes more money is needed, and soon.
