Cathal Crowe
Question:33. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if she has any plans to review the current procedures relating to access to protection orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26074/22]
View answerTuesday, 24 May 2022
Questions (33)
Written answers
I understand from clarifications provided, that the Deputy is referring to the procedures in place when a victim of domestic violence first makes contact with the Gardaí, and officers assess risk as part of the assistance they provide to the victim.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána play a vital role in how we, as a State, work together to combat domestic violence and support victims.
It is important to note that all Gardaí are trained as first responders so they are equipped to deal with victims, including victims of domestic violence.
Last year, An Garda Síochána devised mandatory online training for its personnel in the area of domestic abuse, which is a comprehensive training package consisting of instructor-led videos presented by subject matter experts from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB). It also includes periodic knowledge checks and supporting materials
I'm informed by the Commissioner that the service is currently implementing the Risk Evaluation Tool, which went live in the North Western Region on 30th September 2021, Southern Region on 15th February 2022 and Eastern Region on 30th April 2022, with training underway in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
This tool essentially assesses the level of risk associated with a victim of domestic abuse for each reported incident and it informs and guides the Garda response in respect of the investigative and/or protective measures to be considered and implemented for all domestic abuse incidents and victims.
It further prompts the relevant Superintendent to appoint the appropriate skilled investigator.
As stated and reinforced both in the training for the Risk Evaluation Tool and in the domestic abuse training delivered across the Garda organisation, the primary responders and investigators for domestic abuse incidents and investigations are frontline uniformed and detective Gardaí.
It is important to note also that An Garda Síochána has now established a Divisional Protective Services Unit (DPSU) in every Garda division across the country. This ensures that vulnerable victims of crimes, such as domestic abuse and sexual violence, presenting to Gardaí are met with specially trained Gardaí who can provide a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.
Under Budget 2022, an additional €1m is being provided to An Garda Síochána specifically to refurbish and upgrade the Divisional Protective Service Units. This commitment will allow us to better support and protect vulnerable victims.
In addition, the rollout of body worn cameras, as provided for in the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill 2022, the General Scheme of which was published last month, will be particularly helpful to Gardaí when called as first responders to domestic abuse incidents.
Both the Commissioner and I are committed to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms, and to ensuring that people, particularly women and vulnerable people, feel safe and are safe in our communities.