New guidelines on domestic violence response

A code of practice on domestic violence was launched today to guide voluntary groups in dealing with the problem within communities.

Noel Ahern, a Minister of State, said the code contains suggestions for practical responses and stresses the primary need for the safety of the woman at risk and her children.

Women’s Aid, which has backed the code, say figures show one in five Irish women have been abused by an intimate partner.

Mr Ahern, a junior minister at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, said: “By implementing the Code of Practice on Domestic Violence, Projects will be highlighting their support for those experiencing domestic violence and helping to break the cycle of silence which has traditionally surrounded domestic violence.”

The Community Response to Domestic Violence Network in the west of Ireland developed the code, which has been backed by groups, including Women’s Aid.

Last month, Women’s aid revealed the extent of the abuse as 40% of the 20,000 calls to its helpline in 2004 went unanswered due to inadequate services.

The code was established for use by groups within the Community Development Programme which is made up of 185 projects around the country.

The projects will be working with local organisations to provide services and supports for those experiencing domestic violence and adapt the code to their situation.

Facilities provided by the 185 projects include meeting rooms, crèches, offices and training or educational opportunities to meet the needs of disadvantaged groups in their communities.

Some of the people the projects support include lone parents, Travellers, homeless people, the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.