The Social Democrats have today launched their policy aimed at tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland.<\/p>\n
The policy was launched by Patricia Stephenson, the party\u2019s candidate for Carlow-Kilkenny, and Catherine Murphy, Social Democrats justice spokesperson.<\/p>\n
The policy document outlines how, in government, the party would establish a DSGBV Commissioner, with appropriate resources and powers to monitor the implementation of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.<\/p>\n
The Social Democrats would also commit sufficient capital funding to double available refuge units over the lifetime of the next government, and move towards meeting Ireland\u2019s commitments under the Istanbul Convention.<\/p>\n
Other proposals include new legislative powers to enable An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na to remove abusers from the home, and amending legislation so a parent convicted of the murder or manslaughter of the other parent does not retain guardianship of a surviving child or children.<\/p>\n
Speaking ahead of the policy launch in Kilkenny today, Patricia Stephenson said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe disturbing reality is that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence continues to be widespread in Ireland. We know that women are the most at risk of experiencing gender-based violence. This doesn\u2019t only affect a particular type of person \u2013 anyone can experience it, no matter what their background. We must do more to tackle it.<\/p>\n
\u201cA key issue facing survivors is the lack of safe housing when they are fleeing domestic violence or leaving a refuge. The Social Democrats want to make survivors of GBV, including women and children, priority groups in the next Housing Strategy to ensure they have a safe home to rebuild their lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur justice system often works against survivors of gender-based violence. That is why we plan to give new powers to garda\u00ed to remove abusers from the home and want to change legislation so that survivors\u2019 counselling notes are not routinely used as evidence in sex offence trials.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot let this issue get sidelined. We must fight to create an equal and safe Ireland for everyone. This policy sets out a robust approach to improving how survivors are treated within the system so they are supported and empowered in their road to recovery.”<\/p>\n
Catherine Murphy said:<\/p>\n
\u201cDomestic, sexual and gender-based violence is endemic in Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe statistics are both shocking and shameful. One in four women in this country are affected by domestic violence in their lifetime, while half of all women report experiencing sexual violence at some point.<\/p>\n
\u201cServices in the sector are overstretched and underfunded, so cannot meet the ever-increasing demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo much more needs to be invested in prevention, protection, legislative reform, and policy co-ordination to truly transform Ireland into a country where there is zero tolerance of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Social Democrats are committed to accelerated investment in this area and fully resourcing and implementing the National Strategy. We will also support the delivery of Ireland\u2019s commitments under the Istanbul Convention.\u201d<\/p>\n