Clare Haven Taking Calls From As Far As Donegal Due To Prevalence Of Domestic Violence

Clare Haven is calling on the government to urgently prioritise the provision of wrap around services to support victims of domestic violence. It follows the introduction of new legislation this week which will see heavier sentences inflicted on perpetrators of major offences. As part of new laws introduced by Justice Minister Helen McEntee this week, the maximum sentence for assault causing harm, which is a common offence in domestic abuse will increase from five years to ten years. The scope of the existing harassment offence has also been widened to include any conduct that seriously interferes with a persons peace and privacy. Additionally new standalone offences have been created both for stalking and for non-fatal strangulation and suffocation, each with a maximum sentence of ten years, rising to life imprisonment in cases that causes serious harm. Although concerns have been raised over the high burden of proof facing victims when cases of stalking come before the courts, Darragh Hassett from Hassett Consodine Solicitors in Ennis says complainants can now avail of the civil order mechanism to ensure protection while Garda investigations are underway. In both 2020 and 2021 , 52% of all murders in Ireland were linked to an initial domestic violence motivation. While just last year in Clare, Gardaí recorded 476 offences relating to threats to murder, assaults and harassments. The trend has been reflected across the country and Clare Haven which is this county's dedicated support service for victims of domestic violence is now taking calls from as far away as Waterford, Kerry, Cork and Donegal due to refuge centres elsewhere reaching capacity. Director of Services at Clare Haven Dr Siobhán O'Connor says while harsher penalties will help, victims need wrap around supports such as housing and security to live their lives with some peace of mind at least.