Domestic violence report shows no convictions

NO ONE in Limerick was convicted of domestic violence in 2002 despite 106 reported incidents, which led to 65 arrests.

This will be confirmed in a report, Draft Strategy Statement on Violence Against Women, which will be presented at this Friday’s monthly meeting of the Mid Western Health Board.

The report also states that 75% of women surveyed stated they were financially deprived while with their partners.

“The complexity of choice facing women who experience abuse by male intimates, presents a range of physical, as well as psychological barriers to eradicate violence from their lives,” the report states.

“Having nowhere to go and having either no access to, or limited access to the financial resources of the household are the two most frequent reasons put forward by women for stopping them from leaving violent partners.”

In addition to the domestic abuse figures, the report also highlights a marked increase in rape and sexual assault.

At present rape victims have to travel to Cork to undergo forensic medical examination. The report states there is an urgent need for this service to be provided in Limerick.

Meanwhile, a survey of women who have been given accommodation at Adapt House women’s refuge in Limerick revealed 47% needed hospitalisation and 46% said the violence on them was less extreme, but intense enough to include black eyes, bruising or cuts.

Pregnancy, according to the report is a high-risk period for violence on women. A study quoted in the report found that 12.5% of pregnant women experience abuse when they are pregnant.

“During this time violence can often begin to escalate both physically and sexually, with harmful consequences for both the foetus and the mother: miscarriage, foetal damage and death of the foetus,” states the report.