Austin Currie
Ceist:263 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on mandatory reporting of domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6447/98]
Written Answers - Domestic Violence.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the issue of mandatory reporting arises usually in the context of cases of child abuse where the victim could not be expected to have either an understanding of the crime being perpetrated or an understanding of how to go about reporting it.
While I appreciate the Deputy has the best of intentions in raising this matter. I am not clear as to how such a procedure would apply in the case of someone who suspects that a crime, such as domestic violence, has been committed against an adult.
The task force report on violence against women pointed out that a woman faces a variety of psychological and physical barriers in trying to deal with violence in a relationship which affects how, and to whom, a woman may disclose violence. The task force identified a range of supports which a woman in such circumstances needs, in particular the need for readily accessible information and advice. It called for a focused delivery of such a service. The task force was of the view that this would help to ensure that women will know the options open to them and make informed choices about disclosure taking full account of their own future and that of their children.
The Deputy will be aware that a national steering committee on violence against women, chaired by Ms Mary Wallace, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, was established recently to develop a national strategy on violence against women. The key elements of that strategy, as identified in the task force report, will include the development of a comprehensive range of services for women and children which offer a safe and friendly environment in which abuse can be disclosed and tackled.