Garda response to domestic violence remains 'inconsistent'

The authors said: “While gardaí in certain units were described as ‘very good’, ‘fantastic’ and ‘absolutely terrific at their work’, another participant observed that some gardaí were ‘very very helpful and supportive’ but she also had ‘terrible experiences’ with less interested members of the force."

Some domestic violence victims continue to experience difficulties dealing with gardaí and the courts, two years on from the introduction of landmark domestic violence laws, research indicates.

Victims also have problems getting into refuges, with a third of counties having no services for women – while male victims have no safe place anywhere in the country.