Domestic Violence Victims Left In "Life Threatening Situations'

Wednesday, 3 May 2023 08:34

That's the findings of a new report co-authored by a Laois woman.

Victims of domestic violence feel 'belittled' and are being left in 'life threatening situations', according to a new report.

The joint Department of Justice and Women's Council report says victims are being disbelieved by untrained professionals and blamed for their abuse.

The study highlights three key factors which is leading to women withdrawing from the legal system.

They include a system wide lack of knowledge about the impact and dynamics of domestic abuse, a lack of support both in the court and outside, delays in the legal process and their experience in court.

Director of the National Women's Council, Orla O'Connor, says that just should not happen:

One of the report authors and Rathdowney's Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop said: "The report is a call to action to address the unique needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence within the court system. It is vital that any changes stem from a victim-centered approach, which is at the forefront of our recommendations. Having a wraparound system of both court and non-court support for victims throughout the entirety of the legal processes is vital in developing a system which doesn’t cause additional stress and difficulties to victims of domestic and sexual abuse."

Some key recommendations from the report are:

A resourced and comprehensive system of both court and non-court support for victims of domestic or sexual violence throughout the entire journey of the various legal processes

Systemic and mandatory training for all professionals whom victims encounter during court experience, including the judiciary, lawyers, Gardaí and court services personnel to equip them with an in-depth understanding the domestic and sexual violence and its impact upon both adult and child victims.

Amendments to in-camera rule to allow victims to speak with court personnel, persons engaged in the provision of therapy, and other relevant parties, all of whom are bound by confidentiality obligations in relation to these discussions.

Gardaí in some regions are "inexplicably" reluctant to prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence.

Justice Minister Simon Harris says Gardaí are working on improving trust between officers and survivors: