Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 2

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

John Gormley

Question:

194 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the crime statistics indicating a 20% increase in domestic violence and on the fact that less than 10% of all cases of domestic violence resulted in a conviction. [20765/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am concerned with the rise in the number of incidents of domestic violence. It is apparent that domestic violence incidents have, in the past, been under reported. Possibly the increase in reported domestic violence incidents may be attributed to the increased awareness by victims of the support services available to them in times of crisis. This awareness has been created, in part, by the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women which is chaired by my colleague, Deputy Mary Wallace, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The committee has funded two major public awareness campaigns, as part of a national strategy to highlight available services and as part of a policy to let the victim know that help is available. The campaign also aimed to make society aware that they should support the victim and not condone such violence and to get the message across to perpetrators that this is a crime and that it must stop.

I understand from the Garda authorities that they have a written policy on domestic violence intervention. As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Síochána also has a special domestic violence and sexual assault investigation unit, which is staffed by highly trained gardaí. In 1997 the unit was given a national role and it now collates all incidents of domestic violence in the State. I understand that the unit also has a very good relationship with the voluntary agencies working in this field.

In relation to the increase in domestic violence incidents, I understand that the Garda Commissioner has indicated previously that part of this may be due to changes in classification of incidents as domestic violence incidents rather than assaults. There are complex issues involved which explain why many cases do not result in a conviction. I am aware, for example, that in many cases, what the victim wants is for the violence to end and they do not seek a conviction. Where cases are pursued, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter for the courts to decide and, mindful of the independence of the courts, it would not be proper for me to comment further.