NWCI welcome National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence 2016-2021 to make Ireland a safer place for women and girls

Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2016

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) welcome the launch today of the second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence 2016-2021 and call for all political parties to commit to tackling violence against women in their election manifestos.

Orla O Connor, Director of NWCI said
“NWCI welcome the publication of this five year government strategy to tackle all forms of violence against women. We are particularly encouraged by the proposed establishment of monitoring mechanisms which will report to a Cabinet Sub-committee. This will give violence against women the political priority that is essential to effectively address the seriousness of the issue".

She continues
“The commitments by Garda Siochana to establish a new policy on domestic abuse, development of risk assessment and greater follow up and investigation of domestic abuse incidents are very positive and critically needed. The role of TUSLA to support frontline is a critical part of the strategy and will require additional resourcing.”

Ms. O Connor emphasized
“1 in 5 Women in Ireland experience physical and/or sexual violence. Violence against women leads to murders, physical injuries, mental trauma and devastation to the lives of women, children and communities. In our recent election manifesto, we asked candidates to commit to changing Ireland’s record on violence against women. This needs to be done by strengthening legislation, increase prosecution and increase supports for victims so as to reduce attrition rates, adequately resourcing frontline services and striving to meet best international standards by ratifying and implementing the recently signed Istanbul Convention.”

Changing the record on violence against women requires significant investment and this must be priority for the next government.  The fact that the strategy is a living document which can be built on over time is encouraging and recognises that the nature of violence against women has taken on new forms, but we need strong leadership from the next government to tackle all forms of violence against women to make Ireland a safer place for women and girls.”

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For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications Officer, Tel. 085 861 9087.