Dáil To Debate 'Robust Response' To Violence Against Women

Sinn Féin has secured agreement from the Whips to make time in the Dáil for a "wide-ranging" debate on a more robust response to "the endemic, society-wide problem of violence against women."

Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald made the call for the debate after she attended the Women's Aid Minute of Silence event to remember 78 women killed by their partners or ex-partners since 1996.

"One in three women experiences some form of sexual abuse and one in five women experiences domestic violence over her lifetime. Last year alone, the fifteen Rape Crisis Centres assisted considerably more than two thousand survivors of sexual violence," Deputy McDonald said.

She added: "It is disturbing that less than half of those surviving adult sexual violence reported it to any authority, and that only one third of those who did so, reported to the Gardaí. Under-reporting by victims and under-investigation by the relevant authorities including the Gardaí are well-established problems that must be overcome.

"This is not acceptable, it has to change, and it requires a more robust and coordinated response on the part of Government. Given the gravity of the situation, and the sheer numbers of citizens affected every day and every year, there is no valid reason why the Minister should not agree to provide time for the Dáil to debate this issue of fundamental national importance."

Deputy McDonald said she was hopeful the debate will be held at the upcoming 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women event, scheduled to take place from 25 November to 10 December.

(MH/JP)