Chief Justice: Courts have developed 'five years in five months'

Cases put before the court under domestic violence legislation increased by 10% in 2019 and it is indicated the rate will be maintained in 2020

Chief Justice Frank Clarke, who said the court's modernisation process has been catapulted forward by the pandemic. Pic: Collins Courts

The Courts Service expects a further growth in domestic violence cases and the granting of interim barring orders this year after its latest annual report showed a surge in such cases in 2019. 

The annual report showed a 10% increase in domestic violence cases last year and a 30% rise in interim barring orders. The indication is that the same rate of such cases is being maintained in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions.