Oksana had been living in the family home in Limerick for years, and when her cousin moved in to help with rent, things seemed fine at first. Within months, however, the situation became unbearable. Her cousin was drinking heavily, staying out late, and when he returned home, his behaviour was hostile and frightening. He would shout at her, make threats, and on several occasions, his anger felt like it could turn physical. Oksana felt unsafe in her own home — the place where she should have felt most secure.
She tried talking to him, then to other family members, hoping someone could convince him to leave or change his ways. Nothing worked. Oksana began staying with friends just to avoid being at home. She knew something had to change, but she wasn't sure what her options were. She didn't think the law could help — after all, he was family, not a partner. That's when she decided to seek legal advice.
Her solicitor explained that a barring order wasn't just for people in romantic relationships. It could be used against any family member or person living in a shared home whose behaviour was causing fear or harm. With the solicitor's support, Oksana gathered evidence of the threatening behaviour and took her case to court. The judge listened to her account and the evidence she presented. Because the court was satisfied that her safety was at real risk, the barring order was granted. Her cousin was ordered to leave the home, and the law was there to enforce it. For the first time in months, Oksana felt she could breathe again in her own home.