The Domestic Violence Bill 2017 has reached the second stages in the Dáil.
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, introduced the Domestic Violence Bill 2017 in the Seanad Éireann on Wednesday 1st March.
Commenting on the bill, Minister Fitzgerald said: "[It's] part of a larger package of measures aimed at dealing with the scourge of domestic violence in our community.
"The purpose of this Bill, which has been a key priority for me, is to consolidate and reform the law on domestic violence to provide better protection for victims", she continued.
"The Bill also includes provisions to enable Ireland to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, more commonly known as the Istanbul Convention".
The Domestic Violence Bill 2017 includes provisions for emergency barring orders and a new offence of forced marriage, as well as safety orders to prohibit violent and threatening behaviour.
The main change to the safety orders that were first introduced in the Domestic Violence Act 1996 is the addition to allow a court to impose a prohibition on electronic communication where necessary.
"Safety orders can remain in place for up to 5 years and a further safety order can be made for a subsequent period of up to 5 years. Where a safety order is made for the protection of a dependent child, it will remain in force after the child reaches the age of 18, until the order expires", the Tánaiste explained.
Part 1 of the Domestic Violence Bill contains standard provisions regarding commencement, definitions, repeals and expenses.
Part 2 of the Bill provides for the different orders that can be applied for under the Bill, while Part 3 provides for offences under the Bill.
The Minister for Justice and Equality intends to enact the bill as early as possible in order to tackle "the horror of domestic violence".
The Tánaiste also spoke about the "What would you do?" national awareness campaign on domestic and sexual violence.
She explained how the campaign "calls on us as relatives, friends, neighbours, bystanders and witnesses to collectively say that domestic violence is not right and it must stop".
"It is an opportunity for each of us to start a conversation about what we would do if we came across situations such as those in the TV and radio ads".
Remember. Before you get involved, ask yourself if it’s safe and legal to intervene. If the situation is already violent or looks like its escalating quickly, don’t directly intervene. Call the Gardaí on 999.
The only effective bystander intervention is a non-violent one. If you see or suspect domestic abuse in Dublin (change to suit region) visit www.whatwouldyoudo.ie or call 999.
