Taoiseach: whole-of-society approach needed to combat domestic and sexual violence

'Zero tolerance should mean zero tolerance. That stretches to the barstools, the Whatsapp groups, the workplace, the football clubs and the newspaper columns,' said Simon Harris

Simon Harris described the 'epidemic' of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence as 'unacceptable', and said it must change. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

A “whole-of-society” approach is required to achieve zero-tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, Taoiseach Simon Harris has told the Dáil.

Mr Harris said a “cultural change” is needed and it should begin with both transparency and accountability, with men calling out misogyny.

Mr Harris made the comments during a session of statements on tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, telling the Dáil: “To achieve a society where there is zero-tolerance, we need attitudes and social norms to change.

“This is how real and lasting change happens and it doesn’t happen with just a whole-of-government approach. It needs a whole-of-society approach. Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is not simply a criminal justice problem. It is a societal problem.” 

Mr Harris said he was conscious of discussing gender-based violence as a man, adding “it is often men who perpetrate these violent assaults on women”.

“That is why it is incumbent on men to take leadership positions and not allow the worst of us speak for the rest of us,” he said.

“Zero tolerance should mean zero tolerance. That stretches to the barstools, the Whatsapp groups, the workplace, the football clubs and the newspaper columns. 

Because it seems there is always someone willing to defend the character of a rapist or a sexual predator. 

He said there are “far too few” people who will stick up for the rights of a victim, highlighting that their character and actions can be often placed under scrutiny.

“What were they wearing? How much they had to drink. Did they lead the man on? Why are they so angry? Questions often asked about a victim in the aftermath of assaults or violence, often innocently and ignorantly posed but with long-lasting damage and trauma to the people they are posed against. 

"These are the behaviours we all need to challenge.” 

Mr Harris called on individuals to call out misogynistic behaviour, saying silence can be “perceived as agreement”. “Every time we allow these statements pass without comment, we imply this behaviour is okay.” 

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The Taoiseach also questioned TDs within the Dáil who have sought to “portray issues such as hate-filled crime as ‘woke’".

“We cannot tackle this issue if we make political footballs out of this issue,” Mr Harris said.

He referred to both Natasha O’Brien, who was assaulted by a serving soldier, and bottle-rape victim Bláthnaid Raleigh, saying that the public has learned “of their trauma and their abuse at the hands of individual men”.

He described the “epidemic” of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence as “unacceptable”, and said it must change.