The Garda Inspectorate yesterday published a report on the force’s approach to prevention, protection, prosecution and victim support in respect of domestic abuse.

The inspection found that An Garda Síochána is committed to supporting and protecting victims of domestic abuse and many of its personnel are delivering a high-quality service, but this was not consistent across the organisation.

It identified that more needs to be done by the force to prevent abuse from occurring, protect victims, manage perpetrators and ensure that all victims of domestic abuse receive a trauma-informed service when they make a report to gardaí.

The Inspectorate recommends that An Garda Síochána improves its service to victims; develops more effective multi-agency working arrangements; is more proactive in disrupting and managing offenders; and puts in place a dedicated Garda domestic abuse strategy.

Commenting on the inspection, chief inspector Mark Toland said: “The Garda Síochána has taken a number of important steps to prevent abuse from occurring, increase protection for victims and bring offenders to justice.

“These include a pro-arrest policy, the introduction of a structured process to identify risk to victims, investment in training for personnel and the creation of a number of new roles to enhance the organisation’s response to domestic abuse.

“However further improvements are required to ensure that all victims receive a trauma-informed service that is of a consistently high standard.”

As part of its research, the Inspectorate met with a number of people who shared their deeply personal experiences of abuse.

It also conducted an online survey which received over 700 direct responses from victims of domestic abuse, which it said provided an invaluable insight into the experience of victims.

While many reported a positive engagement with gardaí, 50 per cent of survey respondents who had reported their abuse to the Garda Síochána were dissatisfied with their overall experience. The highest level of dissatisfaction was among those who had reported their abuse in person at a Garda station.

Mr Toland said: “Our engagement with victims and support services highlighted the inconsistency of service that victims receive when they report their abuse to the Garda Síochána.

“It is concerning that half of victims who responded to our survey were dissatisfied with the service provided and in particular, the experience of victims who report their abuse at a garda station needs to be examined.”

Welcoming the report, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “I would like to thank the Garda Síochána Inspectorate for their work in producing this report on domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that requires a strong and coordinated response, as is reflected in Zero Tolerance, the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

“Combatting domestic abuse and ensuring that there is a consistent service available to all victims and survivors is a major priority for me as minister for justice.”

He added: “Strengthening trust and confidence in our justice system is essential in encouraging victims to seek help and holding perpetrators to account.

“The findings of the report will guide further improvements, and my Department and I will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána and Cuan in this regard.”