Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013
48. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the strategy the Health Service Executive has in place to improve the protection of those who fall victim to domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40060/13]
View answerIn 2010 the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence was published. It aims to provide a framework for sustainable intervention to prevent and effectively respond to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and is lead by Cosc which is the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
The HSE subsequently published its own Policy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The principal actions are in line with the National Strategy. The HSE’s policy states that a health-focused analysis of violence is crucial, not only because the consequences of such violence require a significant amount of healthcare system resources, but most importantly because the health care system is often the first route through which victims seek to access supports.
The Children and Family Agency within the forthcoming new Chid and Family Agency Bill (1)(c) has responsibility for providing care and protection for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence whether in the context of the family or otherwise. Going forward this will ensure that there is an integrated care pathway for identifying, referring and providing a range of supports for families who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence including referral pathways to services funded by the Children and Family Agency through service level or grant aid agreements.
