Press release
Minister for Justice opens public consultation on domestic, sexual and gender based violence
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has today opened a public consultation on the government’s third national strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The public consultation will run for 3 weeks ahead of the publication of the final strategy in April.
The overall goal of the new strategy, which has been designed with those working in the sector and on the frontline, is clear - zero tolerance in Irish society for domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
It will be structured around four pillars:
When published in April, the strategy will be accompanied by a detailed action plan setting out how specific actions under these aims will be achieved, who is responsible for them, and the timeframe for delivery.
The public consultation opening today is in the form of an online survey, which will ask people’s views on domestic, sexual, gender based violence and what they would like to see in the new strategy.
For example, it will ask what people think the emphasis of the strategy should be, how we can improve supports for victims, how we can better educate our young people and how we can change attitudes across society.
It will also ask whether our laws are strong enough to provide justice for victims, among many other questions.
The consultation is available through the Department of Justice website from Thursday, 17 February.
Minister McEntee said:
"We are committed to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
"I will shortly publish a new strategy, with input from across government, to support victims, strengthen our laws and bring about the change in attitudes needed to deal with this awful violence and abuse.
"The overall goal of the new strategy is clear - zero tolerance in our society of domestic sexual and gender based violence.
"It will emphasise four key pillars: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Policy Co-ordination.
"We want to hear from you and I am now launching a public consultation on the new plan.
"It will ask for your views on how we can improve supports for victims, how we can better educate our young people and how we can change attitudes across society.
"It will also ask whether our laws are strong enough to provide justice for victims.
"The consultation opens today and runs for three weeks. Please, have your say."