Domestic Violence Bill to be published shortly

Legislation to support domestic violence survivors in the courts is at an advanced stage, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said.

Ms Fitzgerald spoke about the progress of the Domestic Violence Bill as she launched a new nationwide awareness campaign to tackle domestic and sexual violence.

The “What would you do?” campaign is part of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Fitzgerald said: “This campaign calls on us as relatives, friends neighbours, bystanders and witnesses to collectively say that this violence is not right and it must stop. It is an opportunity for each of us to start a conversation about what we would do if we came across situations such as those in the TV and radio ads.

“It is is about prevention. It is about empowerment and it’s about support. It offers hope and support to victims of such violence and it empowers us as witnesses to such violence to find out what we can do to help stop domestic violence and to support people who are caught up in this most devastating of human experiences.”

She added: “It is my intention to underpin this education and awareness with strong legislation.

“The new Domestic Violence Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation and I hope to publish it shortly. The Bill will improve access to barring orders and provide for greater supports for victims in the court process in areas such as court accompaniment.”