Vol. 470 No. 1
252 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Justice the number of women who died in 1995 as a result of domestic violence; the action, if any, she plans to take to prevent such tragic deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18530/96]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that two women died in 1995 as a result of domestic violence.
The Garda domestic violence and sexual assault investigation unit oversees the investigation of violent and sexual offences committed against women and children. Enforcement practices in respect of protection and barring orders are also carefully examined. The unit works in close contact with the Garda community relations section and liaises with organisations, both statutory and voluntary, which deal with violent or sexual crime against women and children.
The Garda authorities have impressed on members of the Force the importance of active follow-up of incidents of domestic violence. The primary role of the gardaí in such circumstances is one of protection of the victims of domestic violence through law enforcement. In addition, victims are made aware of the legal redress available to them through the civil courts and of the social services which are available.
The Domestic Violence Act, 1996, initiated by the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, improves protection for the victims of domestic violence. It extends the powers of the courts and strengthens the powers of the gardaí to make arrests. That Act came into operation on 27 March 1996.
As the Deputy may be aware, as stated in the Official Report, Volume 469, columns 71 and 72, the Tánaiste, following consultation with relevant Government Departments, has set up a working group to develop a co-ordinated response and strategy on mental, physical and sexual violence against women, with a particular focus on domestic violence.
