Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 May 2023
154. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if consideration is being given to changing the existing coercive control legislation to allow it to relate to people in non-intimate relationships, in order to close the current gap that allows non-intimate offenders to be held to account under the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25081/23]
View answerThe rationale for the introduction of the offence of coercive control in section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 was to take account of the reality that behaviours in a domestic setting that involve emotional abuse, humiliation and fear can be as harmful to victims as physical abuse, as they are an abuse of the unique trust associated with an intimate relationship.
Creating a specific offence of coercive control sent a clear, consistent message that non-violent control in an intimate relationship is criminal.
The prosecutions and convictions to date will hopefully encourage anyone who may be a victim of this crime to come forward and seek help. For perpetrators of this crime, the message is also clear – you cannot act with impunity.
It is hoped that as more convictions follow, other victims of coercive control will feel confident to come forward.
Policy officials from my Department have previously consulted with An Garda Síochána on the topic you raise, specifically on amendments in relation to the definition of 'relevant persons' in respect of coercive control under section 39 of the 2018 Act.
Both the Department and An Garda Síochána take the offence of coercive control seriously and acknowledge the concerns raised. However, it is the view of both the Department and An Garda Síochána that the current wording of section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018, along with section 9 of the Non-fatal Offences Act, already adequately addresses these concerns.
