Helen McEntee

Measures include the enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill which will ensure anonymity for victims and the accused in sexual offence trials, repeal provisions for sentences to be delivered in public, and make provision for legal representation for victims in certain circumstances.

Cuan, the statutory DSGBV agency which was officially opened in February, now has responsibility for co-ordinating and driving the implementation of the strategy.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “The overarching purpose of the strategy is to bring about changes in attitudes and in systems to ensure there is zero tolerance in our society for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

“The strategy also recognises and acknowledges the need to provide support for all victims of DSGBV so that Ireland becomes a place where victims and survivors receive quality supports and justice.

“Key actions this year will include work on the National Services Development Plan, increasing refuge spaces and safe homes, progressing legislative reform, evaluating the effectiveness of awareness raising campaigns, and the development of a research and data plan to support collating DSGBV information across government departments and agencies.”

She added: “I am heartened by the progress made to date but also mindful that it is a highly ambitious strategy and that a lot of work remains.

“The collaboration between staff in Cuan and the Department of Justice was key to finalising the structure of this year’s implementation plan. I’m delighted to launch a plan, that it is more concise, and that there is an increased focus on deliverables to help us track and report on progress.”

Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan, said: “Cuan is very proud of the work we have contributed to the 2024 implementation plan, having collaborated closely with our colleagues in the Department of Justice. We look forward to working with more colleagues across the civil and public services sector, so each area can effectively deliver their actions.

“This implementation plan is a major step in enabling us to provide support to victims and survivors of DSGBV, and will help us in our ambitious goal to achieve zero tolerance for DSGBV in Irish society.”