Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
447. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if a program will be put in place to provide additional educational programmes to services that deal with the complexities of domestic violence including the Court Services and An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12643/22]
View answerI would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to tackling domestic violence in all its forms, and to ensuring that people, particularly women and vulnerable people, feel safe and are safe in our communities.
I am currently leading work on a new whole of Government strategy to combat domestic, sexual, gender-based violence. This new plan will have a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported. It will set an overall goal of zero tolerance in our society of domestic violence. There will be a specific objective under the prevention pillar of the new strategy to equip frontline professionals and support staff, including members of the Court Services and An Garda Síochána, with the necessary analysis, skills, and expertise to identify potential domestic, sexual and gender-based violence dangers and make appropriate preventative interventions and referrals.
The Strategy has been developed in partnership with the sector to ensure it is targeted, comprehensive and effective in achieving all of the goals set out. Last month I briefed those working in the sector on the progress of the strategy and launched a wider public consultation. I will publish the final strategy and accompanying action plans in April.
The specific issue raised by the Deputy is being addressed, both in the new Strategy and also in Supporting a Victim's Journey - my plan to help vulnerable victims and witness through the Courts process.
One of the objectives under the Protection Pillar of the new strategy is to "ensure professionals/front line workers involved in DSGBV work in the courts, and in the justice, legal and policing systems have the skills and analysis of DSGBV to equip them with the necessary expertise they require". This will be achieved by developing and delivering co-designed, co-ordinated and trauma informed education and awareness initiatives. An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, The Probation Service and the Legal Aid Board are some of the agencies leading this work.
One of objectives under the Prevention Pillar is to “enhance the understanding of adults of all forms of DSGBV and education society to recognise the harm and prevent the human rights abuse that is DSGBV while making clear the pathways to safety and sanctions”. Actions in this area include delivering public awareness campaigns, including paths to safety, and raising public awareness of DSGBV in all its forms and across all groups in society.
Another objective under the Prevention Pillar is to "enable frontline professionals and support staff to have the necessary analysis, skills and expertise to identify potential DSGBV dangers and make appropriate preventative interventions and referrals". Actions here include building on mapping of what Continuous Professional Development currently exists on DSGBV for various professionals and support staff (e.g. medical, social worker, educationalists, legal etc.), and resourcing and co-designing work with the specialist services to lead and deliver education/CPD programmes on all forms of DSGBV.
Following publication of Supporting a Victim’s Journey, my Department established three specific sub-groups to work on implementing some of the recommendations outlined in the plan. One such sub-group was tasked with development of an approach to meeting training needs of a wide range of front-line staff and professionals, including legal professionals.
This sub-group has meet a number of times since publication of the report.
The range of training needs underconsideration include training for members of An Garda Síochána, other front-line staff and for legal professionals.
My Department has engaged a consultant to conduct a mapping exercise to establish what training is already being provided, and in what areas. This exercise has commenced and aims to have a relatively short timeframe for completion so that the development work can begin.
Following the mapping exercise, evaluation of the effectiveness of current training provision will take place where the sub-group will flesh out what gaps exist, with support from the consultant. A facilitated consultation method will be examined at a later stage when evaluating effectiveness of current training.
Once these first initial two stages are complete then measures will be put forward as to meet the needs and gaps identified.
