Labour Senators call for reform of domestic violence laws
Labour Senators call for reform of domestic violence laws - The Labour Party
- Seanad cross-party group reintroduces Domestic Violence Bill 2024
Labour’s Senator Laura Harmon has welcomed the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2024 which will be debated in the Seanad today, urging all parties to back this vital legislation that finally puts the rights and protection of victims front and centre. Originally proposed by the Green Party, the Bill introduces a much-needed change to how breaches of domestic violence orders and bail conditions are treated by the justice system. Senator Harmon said the legislation marks an important step away from a one-size-fits-all approach, giving greater discretion to courts and prosecutors to respond proportionately to the complex realities of abuse and coercive control.
Senator Harmon said:
“The current system is failing victims of domestic abuse. While there were 65,000 contacts made to the Gardaí last year in relation to domestic violence, many still struggle to get meaningful protection. In my own county of Cork, more than 2,300 people applied for protective orders last year, yet just over half were granted. In West Cork, the arrest rate for domestic-motivated crimes is just 21% – the lowest in the country. These figures reveal a broken system.
“This Bill, co-signed by the Labour Party, the Green Party and Social Democrats, introduces critical reforms. It allows prosecutors to bring indictable charges for breaches of domestic violence orders where appropriate. This means more serious cases can be treated as such – giving the courts power to refuse bail and take into account prior offences. Currently, under summary treatment, bail can only be refused in very limited situations – leaving victims at risk while awaiting trial. That’s simply unacceptable.
“The hybrid model introduced by the Bill will allow for a sliding scale in how domestic violence cases are addressed. No two cases are the same – the law must recognise this. Breaches of bail and protection orders must be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“I also welcome the provisions to ensure all Gardaí receive proper training on how to respond to reports of domestic abuse. Victims often turn to Gardaí first. They deserve a trauma-informed, consistent response – and Gardaí must be equipped to deliver it.
“This Bill marks a significant shift in how we as a society deal with domestic violence – away from dismissiveness and delay, and towards justice and protection. The Government must support its passage without delay.”