Kilkenny MEP's outrage at jump in domestic violence offences

Sinn Fein MEP for Ireland South, Kilkenny's  Kathleen Funchion, has expressed outrage and anger as the latest domestic violence figures reported to gardaí have risen dramatically by over 20 percent.

“These most recent figures are totally unacceptable. We simply cannot tolerate this year on year increase in domestic and gender-based violence. Since the start of this year alone, three women have lost their lives,"  MEP Funchion said, speaking from Brussels.

“It is now in the remit of our new Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan to prioritise the delivery of commitments his government made in their domestic and gender-based violence strategy and recent programme for government, which was disappointing in its lack of detail and urgency.

“Women in crisis cannot afford to wait while the government ‘examines’ proposals or ‘explores’ solutions.

“Tackling the root cause of domestic and gender-based violence through the school curriculum and roll out training, reforming the criminal justice system so it's more victim-centred – particularly the courts system and actually investing in new refuge spaces. These are the crucial steps needed to deliver real change for women suffering from domestic abuse.

“These figures show that domestic violence remains a pervasive and horrifying scourge in our society, and empty strategies or policy documents will not turn the tide. Words without meaningful action fail to address the alarming rates of violence against women in Ireland. 

“I recently spoke to David French, whose sister Valerie was killed by her partner. As a result of her death Valerie's family was thrown into a daunting legal process that protected the perpetrators rights over and above Valerie's family and particularly her children. ‘Valerie's Law’, which David drafted, will, if enacted, prevent parents who intentionally kill their partners from retaining guardianship rights over their children.

“The commitment to deliver 280 refuge spaces by 2026 was first promised some two and half years ago – progress is painfully slow. We need bold action rooted in best practices to break the cycle of abuse and ensure that victims and survivors are properly supported.

“Minister O’Callaghan must now set out clear timelines for all domestic violence initiatives.

“Women’s lives are at stake, and we need action – not promises – to build a society free from domestic violence.”