Almost half of domestic abuse victims dissatisfied with Garda handling of reports, says oversight body
The Garda Inspectorate recommends new legislation to allow video statements from domestic abuse victims and witnesses as trial evidence, citing potential for mitigating trauma and stress of in-person testimony. The report highlights a need for increased Garda understanding of domestic violence orders and suggests legislation allowing them to issue short-term exclusion notices. The Inspectorate also found that nearly half of domestic abuse victims are dissatisfied with Garda handling of reports. Despite increased reporting rates and repeat incidents, Garda responses often showed "no change" and lacked reassessment of victims' needs. The Garda Inspectorate urges the Garda to develop a comprehensive domestic abuse strategy.
