Domestic violence ‘a black stain’ on society

Women who are subject to domestic violence have to face being “eyeballed” and intimidated by their abuser because of the poor facilities at the Dolphin House family court, a government TD said.

Fine Gael’s Mary Mitchell O’Connor said domestic violence was a “black stain” on society, but recent pictures showing celebrity chef Nigella Lawson being held by the neck by her husband will encourage people to talk about it.

The pictures prove abuse “goes right across all class and religions” said Ms Mitchell O’Connor, reflecting what she has been told by women as a TD and formerly as a school principal.