03/10/2026
Personal Testimony Series
No. 1 Sonya Stokes
From Survivor to Advocate: The Laois Woman Giving Victims a Voice
For 11 years, Sonya Stokes has refused to let her experience of being failed by the state become the end of her story. Instead, she has turned it into a voice for others — standing alongside victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse and campaigning for a system that she believes must do better.
Originally from Limerick, Sonya moved to Laois almost 13 years ago with her children and has since made the county her home. Through Victims Voices, which she founded, she has supported victims and survivors across Laois, Ireland, and Northern Ireland while building a wider network of advocacy, support, and community engagement
Sonya has also established a Victims Voices Support Group, providing a safe and supportive space for people who have experienced abuse and violence to connect, share their experiences, and feel less alone.
A survivor herself, Sonya believes that personal experience should not be a barrier to change — it can be a catalyst for it. Her work now involves engaging with victims, survivors, public representatives, state agencies, organisations, and other stakeholders to highlight gaps in services and advocate for meaningful reform.
On Monday, Sonya and former Garda and campaigner Margaret Loftus met with Liam Herrick of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) to raise concerns around victims’ rights, systemic failures and the need for stronger protections and better services.
At the heart of Sonya’s advocacy is one principle: equality across the board. She believes every victim should receive fair treatment, appropriate protection, support, and access to justice, regardless of their circumstances or background.
She is also highlighting the wider consequences of domestic and sexual violence, including trauma, mental health difficulties, and homelessness. Some people who manage to escape violence can find themselves without a safe home or adequate support.
Sonya believes services must have the capacity, understanding, and communication to work together so vulnerable people are not left navigating disconnected systems alone. She is also advocating for stronger homicide prevention, earlier identification of risk, and better protection where domestic or sexual violence may escalate.
Sonya supports the Civil Protection Orders Bill for Sexual Violence and is grateful for the support of Senator Maria McCormack, who she says has been doing important work behind the scenes, alongside other public representatives, in supporting victims and efforts for positive change.
She is keen to emphasise that her advocacy is non-partisan and open to working with representatives from all political backgrounds.
Her work also extends to Limerick, where she supports people experiencing homelessness, including through the Mellick Tavern, and engages with organisations working in the area.
Sonya is also the Laois Coordinator for Walk In Our Shoes 2026, a nationwide grassroots campaign calling for a family court system that is transparent, trauma-informed and trustworthy, with children’s safety, voices and welfare at the heart of every decision.
Alongside her advocacy, Sonya serves as treasurer of the Kilminchy Residents Association, helping with community initiatives, family events, environmental projects, and activities for older residents and children with additional needs.
Much of this work has been carried out while raising her family as a single mother.
“I was failed by the State, but I refuse to allow that experience to silence me. I have chosen to use my voice for those who are living in silence, for survivors who feel the system has failed them and for those who never received the justice they deserved.
“This is not about politics. It is about equality, fairness, safety, and ensuring people receive the protection, services, mental health support, and justice they deserve. I am willing to work with anyone who genuinely wants to make a positive difference.
“Limerick will always be home, but Laois has become a huge part of my life. I am proud of the community I have built here, and I will continue to work with victims, survivors, communities, representatives, and organisations to push for meaningful change and better services. We must do better, and we must do it together.”
