Fitzgerald publishes landmark Domestic Violence Bill

Legislation to bring Ireland towards ratification of the Istanbul Convention on domestic violence has been published.

The Domestic Violence Bill, published by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald today, is a key part of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “Tackling domestic violence has been a priority for me throughout my career. It is not acceptable that anyone in Ireland is subjected to abuse, fear and intimidation. Domestic violence is a pernicious evil that has devastating physical, emotional and financial consequences for victims as well as society as a whole.

“The Bill will particularly improve the protections available to victims of domestic violence, most critically for cohabitants and parents in crisis situations, by introducing a new emergency barring order which can last for up to 8 working days.

“I also intend to bring forward amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage to extend access to safety and protection orders to those in intimate and committed relationships, who are not cohabiting.

“The Bill also aims to make the court process easier for victims of domestic violence. A victim will have the right to be accompanied to court by a family member, friend or support worker. A victim will be able to give evidence by live television link. There will be restrictions on attendance at both civil and criminal court proceedings and protections for the victim’s anonymity.”