Domestic violence - State failing to grasp size of problem

THERE is mounting dissatisfaction among women’s groups over the Government’s approach to domestic violence, a policy epitomised in the controversial decision to set up a new national office to tackle this hidden crisis in Irish society.

Since women are the main victims of domestic assault, although a small proportion of men are also subjected to assault, there is an onus on the administration to listen to what they have to say.

The level of frustration with current policy is manifestly evident in an open letter from an alliance of 12 women’s groups to Minister Frank Fahey who has responsibility for this issue.