Women who believe Ireland’s family law system failed them are being urged to come forward as part of a campaign seeking evidence for a planned submission to the United Nations Committee Against Torture. The initiative places renewed attention on the operation of Ireland’s family courts and calls for the experiences of affected women to be formally recorded.
What is happening in Ireland’s family law system?
Right to Transparency (RTT), an advocacy group seeking reform of Ireland’s family law system, has launched the 300 Silenced Voices campaign. The group is looking for 300 women who believe they experienced serious failings within the family court system and want their accounts included in an international submission.
The campaign was launched at an event in Dublin on Saturday. Organisers say the aim is to gather documented personal experiences rather than isolated anecdotes, creating a broader record of concerns about how family law cases are handled in Ireland.
The planned submission is intended for the United Nations Committee Against Torture. The committee examines whether states are meeting their obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture and related protections. The campaign does not itself determine whether any legal breach has occurred; its purpose is to present evidence and concerns for international consideration.
Why the campaign matters for Irish family law
Family law cases can involve issues including childcare arrangements, access, domestic abuse allegations, separation and financial support. Decisions in these proceedings may have long-term consequences for parents and children, making confidence in the court process particularly important.
RTT is calling on women who believe they were failed by the system to document what happened to them. Accounts may help identify recurring issues, although each submission will need to be assessed on its own facts and supported by relevant records where available.
- The campaign is seeking accounts from 300 women.
- It was launched by Right to Transparency.
- The evidence is intended for a submission to the UN Committee Against Torture.
- The launch took place in Dublin.
- The campaign is connected to wider calls for reform of Ireland’s family law system.
Calls for action following the 2025 review
The campaign comes as pressure continues for the recommendations of a family law review published in May 2025 to be implemented. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has been called on to act on those recommendations.
The source material does not set out the full contents of the review or provide a detailed timetable for implementation. That means the position on individual recommendations remains important to monitor through official statements from the Department of Justice and other relevant bodies.
For people involved in family law proceedings, reform discussions can raise practical questions about court procedures, access to information, legal representation and the treatment of evidence. Any changes would need to be introduced through the appropriate legal and administrative processes.
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How women can document their experiences
Anyone considering contributing to a campaign of this kind should create a clear, factual record. Useful material may include court dates, orders, correspondence, legal documents and a dated account of key events. Personal information about children or other parties should be handled carefully.
A practical record could include:
- A short timeline of the proceedings.
- The court or service involved and relevant case dates.
- The decisions or orders issued.
- Specific concerns about how the process was conducted.
- Copies of documents that support the account, where lawful and safe to share.
People should avoid sharing confidential documents publicly or identifying children unnecessarily. Those seeking legal advice should contact a qualified solicitor or an appropriate support organisation. A campaign submission is not a substitute for legal representation, an appeal or an application to a court.
What happens next?
RTT will need to collect and organise the accounts before preparing its proposed UN submission. The timing, format and outcome of any consideration by the committee have not been provided in the available information.
The next developments are likely to include further information from the campaign about participation, documentation and consent. Separately, attention will remain on whether the Government responds to calls to implement the recommendations of the May 2025 review.
Frequently asked questions
Who is seeking the accounts?
Right to Transparency, an advocacy group focused on reform of Ireland’s family law system, is seeking accounts from women who believe they were failed by the family courts.
Why are the accounts being collected?
They are intended to support a planned submission to the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
How many women is the campaign seeking?
The 300 Silenced Voices campaign is seeking accounts from 300 women.
Does taking part provide legal assistance?
Not necessarily. A campaign submission is separate from legal advice, representation or a formal court remedy. Anyone needing advice about an individual case should consult a qualified legal professional.
Conclusion
This latest development in Ireland’s family law debate highlights the importance of recording people’s experiences while keeping claims evidence-based and carefully documented. The 300 Silenced Voices campaign will now seek accounts for its proposed UN submission, while calls continue for action on the May 2025 review. For readers following Breaking News Ireland, the key issue is what evidence emerges and how State authorities respond.
