Department of Justice to draw up strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence

The independent audit found that responsibility for domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is segmented across different government departments and agencies.

Hildegarde Naughton, the minister of state for civil and criminal law, and Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman have subsequently agreed that the Department of Justice will continue to have lead policy responsibility for DSGB.

The Department of Justice will now lead the development across government of a new strategy which will be published by the end of the year.

The strategy, which will take account of the audit and other recent developments, will outline how the government will radically improve services and supports for victims and will be the most ambitious plan to date.

Commenting on the findings of the audit, Ms Naughton said: “The Programme for Government committed to an audit of how responsibility for domestic sexual and gender-based violence is segmented across different government agencies.

“We are publishing the results of that audit today and we will now work towards a new national strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence – which will be the most ambitious to date.

“The recommendations from the audit will be considered as we work towards the new strategy. Any substantial changes to how services are structured would require careful consideration and consultation and Minister O’Gorman and I will work with the sector and organisations which do vital work in this area.”

Mr O’Gorman added: “Minister Naughton and I have agreed that the recommendations in the audit should be considered later as part of the development of the new national strategy to prevent domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and in the light of further public consultation.

“This ensures that our consideration of how they are advanced is undertaken in full consultation with the sector. Significant change will need significant planning and the publication of this audit marks the beginning of that process.”