Mandatory reporting 'increases pressure' on vulnerable women

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has laid out a legislative timetable aimed at cracking down on sexual and domestic violence. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

A senior staff member at a domestic violence refuge has said mandatory reporting should be reviewed as it places an undue onus on women to protect their children at a time when they are already under immense pressure.

Aoife Dunleavy, child support worker at Dundalk Women's Aid, made her comments as new figures from the Child and Family Agency show the number of mandated reports made to Tusla by managers of refuges last year reached their highest level ever — 550 across 2021.