A Youghal woman who was the victim of stalking says she's not surprised by the outpouring of emotion in the country and around the world following the murder of Ashling Murphy.
Una Ring says Ashling's death highlighted how many women feel unsafe and regularly carry out risk assessments when just going for a walk or to the shop in order to stay safe.
Una's own experience of stalking and that of Eve McDowell from Galway led the two women to team up and lead a campaign for a new stand alone stalking offence.
The Justice Minister contacted Una last week to relay the news that tough new legislation on stalking and non-fatal strangulation could be passed into law before the end of the summer.
Speaking to RedFM News Una has welcomed the proposed new law which she believes will help more women feel safe.
"The change that will be made is that if somebody is being stalked that the will have more confidence in reporting it and the Gardai will have more power to act on it.
"I think women will always need to be careful, that's just the harsh reality. But if the stalking laws are brought in then it will give the Gardai more power and more resources to bring people to justice.
"My life was saved by the power of the Gardai in Youghal, and how they reacted. I think if the Gardai have more power then more will be done."
