Politicians from all parties will come together later as part of a new plan to combat sexual violence.

The cross-party 'Helping Hand' initiative is asking TDs and Senators to put aside their political differences in the run up to the General Election to focus on fighting abuse.

Labour Senator Maria Cahill says information campaigns should be designed to make perpetrators aware of the damage they do.

She'll be outside the Dáil this lunchtime asking politicians to put aside their differences in the run up to the General Election to help curb the problem of sexual abuse.

Campaigners will trace around their hands to signify the help they're offering victims.

Maria Cahill says abusers may listen to them: