Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
14. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ensure that there are targeted campaigns to raise awareness of violence against women amongst a wide audience, including the general public, service providers and all agencies within the criminal justice system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11558/13]
View answerIn response to the need to raise awareness of violence against women among a wide audience Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, operates an annual awareness raising grant scheme. The scheme provides funding for local awareness raising campaigns that increase the understanding and recognition of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Grant applications are assessed according to specified criteria, including in particular the relevance of the project to the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2010-2014 and the level of joint/collaborative work involved in the proposed project. After the projects funded under the scheme have completed their work Cosc evaluates them. This evaluation is fed back to the Public Awareness Sub-Committee of the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women.
I understand that An Garda Síochána has updated its policies in relation to domestic and sexual violence in recent years. The policies are made available to all Garda members through the internal Garda portal. I am informed that a wide range of training has been provided in recent years. New recruits have received general training. Members of specialist units such as the Child Pornography Unit and the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Units also receive specialised training. The B.A. Degree in Police Studies contains a comprehensive module on domestic violence. Relevant members of An Garda Síochána have also been instructed on sexual violence risk assessment tools in conjunction with the Probation Service. Specialist interviewers have been trained in interviewing techniques in relation to child and vulnerable adult victims/witnesses of sexual and violent crimes.
I understand that the Courts Service website allows family law practitioners, other justice sector professionals and lay people to access information on family law issues, including domestic violence. I am informed that the Courts Service also has a policy of making information publications of non-State service providers available in its information displays in court buildings.
I understand that the Legal Aid Board has developed its website to provide better access to information on its role and services. The Board has produced a number of information leaflets including leaflets in relation to domestic violence and legal aid for complainants in rape and certain sexual assault cases. This information is available electronically on the website and in hard-copy in the Legal Aid Board offices.
Guidelines for working with perpetrators of sexual offences have been developed by the Probation Service and training has been provided to relevant staff as needed. The Probation Service has developed and published a domestic violence policy document and all staff have received training on the policy. Through the existence of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence and the co-ordinating work of Cosc a more coherent and strategic approach to awareness raising has emerged.
