New Domestic Violence laws a welcome step in protecting abuse victims

2 May 2018

New Domestic Violence laws a welcome step in protecting abuse victims-FLAC

New laws giving greater legal protection for victims of domestic violence are a positive step, Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) has said today.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, this afternoon announced that the Domestic Violence Bill 2017 has now passed all stages in the Oireachtas.

FLAC, CEO, Eilis Barry said;

“As an organisations which advocates for changes in the law which promote access to justice we welcome the measures in the bill.

Elements such as the new offence of coercive control/ psychological abuse in an intimate relationship; safety orders for those in intimate relationships but not cohabiting and prohibiting a perpetrator of domestic violence from communicating with the victim electronically when making a safety or barring order will help provide greater protection and safeguards.

Earlier this year, in advance of enacting this legislation, FLAC successfully campaigned for the abolition of the financial contribution for civil legal aid for people affected by domestic violence. Previously, the payment had placed a huge financial burden on many civil legal aid applicants. We join the Minister today in today acknowledging this development and the significant assistance it had given to people who often find themselves in vulnerable and challenging situations.”