Women's Aid report launch highlights risk to children from domestic violence

A report launched today by Women’s Aid, the national domestic violence support organisation, highlighted the strong link between child abuse and domestic violence.

This report is a snapshot into the level and nature of abuse experienced by women and children in homes and relationships across the country.

Speaking after the launch, Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin TD said, “The report details almost 20,000 contacts with Women’s Aid in 2018.  During these contacts, there were an additional 3,728 disclosures of child abuse made.  Research shows that domestic violence is a very common context in which child abuse can take place and the organisation is calling for greater recognition of the risk to children, especially during access arrangements with domestic violence perpetrators.”

The report calls for interim measures to be put in place to protect children from the perpetrator of domestic violence including the presumption of no contact until safe contact can be guaranteed.

“One in 4 women who contacted Women’s Aid was experiencing abuse from a former husband or partner.  All of the women who reached out for help were scared for themselves and for their children.  It’s shocking that so many women are living in such a state of fear and our support systems are creaking under the pressure of the volume of calls and contacts they receive.  This report is a reminder that a lot needs to change in order to increase protection for women and children in Ireland.  This is a cause that needs significantly more funding and attention from government,” concluded O’Loughlin.