Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD has said that Safe Ireland’s One Day Survey of domestic violence needs to be responded to and acted on by Government and said it was disappointing that they failed to prioritise the issue during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union. Crowe said he believe it would have been an ideal opportunity to put domestic violence squarely on the political agenda of all EU member states during the Presidency and said that the figures in the survey scream out for action.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Safe Ireland’s recent survey published today reports that 500 women and 300 children were seeking supports from domestic violence services on a single day late last year highlighted the scale of problem and need for action by the government. Some  girls as young as sixteen are contacting Safe Ireland in need of support, safety and services.

These Survey figures scream out for action to be taken.

“Another global study published by World Health Organisation starkly sets out the prevalence of violence towards women and girls across many societies.

“It suggests that a third of women living in Europe will experience violence at some point in their lives. That is an unacceptable statistic and uncomfortable reading for most men, yet Ireland has yet to even sign the European Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

“There are also disturbing figures of domestic violence against men..

“Ireland’s Presidency of the EU was an opportunity for the government to put domestic violence squarely on the political agenda of all member states. This for whatever reason, did not happen.

“The Coalition’s Programme for Government commits it to the introduction of consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation but when questions are asked about when we can expect the legislation the Justice Minister Alan Shatter tells us that he has other legislative priorities.

“Shatter has cited property rights as a supposed barrier to introducing a 24/7 on call system for emergency barring orders. This is also happening while abused women and their children who are seeking a safe refuge from violence and abuse, continue to be turned away because of a lack of available beds  and suitable safe accomodation.

“Many Governments across Europe and beyond refuse to accept that a cultural shift and multi-disciplinary solutions are required to end the prevalence of violence against women and children in society.

“Women may no longer be locked up in in Institutional laundries or children beaten with straps and canes in schools but it is clear that this government has not really learnt anything from the mistakes of those who held power before them.

“The figure of 500 women and 300 children seeking supports from domestic violence services on a single day is an inditement of Irish men and society and needs to be responded to as a matter of urgency by government.