Two thirds of garda divisions yet to set up teams to support domestic abuse victims

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said there is a protective services unit in each garda division, along with domestic abuse liaison sergeants and gardaí 'in each division who co-ordinate engagement with victims of domestic abuse'

Labour TD Marie Sherlock said it is 'shocking' that there is only one garda domestic abuse co-ordination team outside of the Dublin region — in Dundalk. File picture: Stephen Collins/ Collins Photos

Just a third of garda divisions have specialist teams to maintain contacts with victims of domestic abuse, according to the latest figures from the Department of Justice.

Labour TD Marie Sherlock said it is “shocking” that there is only one garda domestic abuse co-ordination team outside of the Dublin region — in Dundalk. There is one currently being established in Wexford. There are currently 13 in the Dublin area.