Domestic violence bill will not create specific domestic abuse offence

The Domestic Violence Bill 2017 will not create a specific offence of domestic abuse, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said.

Ms Fitzgerald has accepted advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Claire Loftus, that it would be too difficult to prove the offence in a criminal court, The Irish Times reports.

The decision has been criticised by Safe Ireland and the National Women’s Council of Ireland, who say the offence has successfully been introduced in parts of the UK.

Caroline Counihan of Safe Ireland said: “If you name something as a specific domestic violence offence it underlines the seriousness of it. It’s a statement that we do not tolerate this form of behaviour.

“Over time that would change the culture of people saying ‘it’s only a domestic’. It sends a message.”

Dublin solicitor Wendy Lyon, who specialises in sexual, reproductive and maternity rights, told ILN: “I understand the concerns but I’m not sure that a law specifically criminalising domestic abuse is the answer.

“The law in England is infrequently used and that doesn’t help with either sending a message or getting more accurate statistics.

“Better enforcement of existing laws and more supports for victims should be the priority.”