I want to assure the Deputy that combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based remains a priority for me, for this Government and for the Garda Commissioner.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Sexual Violence Survey 2022, commissioned and funded by my Department, focused on respondents’ experiences of a broad spectrum of sexual violence and harassment experienced in their lifetime.
We knew that this was an area that tended to be underreported and that the numbers we have had up to now, did not reflect the true extent of the problem.
We now have a better understanding of the full extent of this problem and we have a baseline to measure the impact of our work across Government going forward. The findings of the survey will also help us in developing policy and providing the necessary supports and services.
While it is true that historically, people may have felt unable to come forward to report sexual violence, I can assure the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner and I are committed to continuing to work hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the criminal justice system, so that victims are empowered and feel supported when reporting their experience.
Since taking office, I have prioritised the implementation of Supporting a Victims Journey, which is a very detailed plan to help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases. It aims to reduce the fear of re-victimisation as a result of how they might be treated by the investigation and court processes.
There is now a Divisional Protective Services Unit in each Garda Division, meaning specialised teams are in place nationwide to support and engage with victims of sexual violence.
An Garda Síochána have also introduced new mandatory domestic violence training, as well as training for using the ‘Risk Evaluation Tool’ to ensure all vulnerable victims receive the service and supports they need.
Last year, I published our most ambitious DSGBV Strategy which sets out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV and which seeks to provide the full range of supports for those who have suffered domestic and sexual violence.
My colleagues and I are committed to delivering on the goal of this strategy - a society that has zero tolerance for any form of domestic, sexual or gender based violence.
There are 144 actions for delivery by Government under the current implementation plan for the strategy, but the strategy also emphasises that it is for all of us to recognise and reject domestic and sexual violence in all its forms. This will ensure that all victims know that as a society we stand with them, that we, collectively, support them and that we condemn the abhorrent behaviour of the perpetrator.
I assure the Deputy that I will remain committed to working with colleagues to improve all aspects of the system so that no victims fear coming forward to report what has happened to them.
I also want to encourage people to report to An Garda Síochána and encourage anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to please reach out for help. The national 24 hour helpline provides a free and confidential service for anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence at any time in their lives and further information on the range of support services available can be found at victimscharter.ie.
