Parliament Releases New Plan To Combat Domestic And Gender Violence
The Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has published a comprehensive report detailing urgent recommendations to tackle domestic abuse in Ireland. Key proposals include expanding refuge housing, reforming bail laws, and addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence through stricter enforcement measures.
Parliament Releases Strategic Plan To Combat Domestic And Gender-Based Violence
On Tuesday, July 9th, 2026, the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration officially published its landmark report titled 'Tackling Domestic and Gender-Based Violence'. This document outlines a robust series of recommendations designed to significantly strengthen Ireland’s national response to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
The Committee’s findings emerged from a rigorous examination process that included public engagement with stakeholders in April 2026 and the careful consideration of written submissions from experts and individuals with lived experience of abuse. The report highlights critical gaps in the current system and proposes practical solutions to ensure victims receive safe, trauma-informed support.
Key Recommendations for Systemic Change
The Committee has issued a wide range of proposals aimed at transforming the approach to justice and safety:
- Recognising Cumulative Abuse: Officially acknowledging domestic abuse as a patterned and cumulative form of harm rather than isolated incidents.
- Trauma-Informed Justice: Strengthening trauma-informed approaches throughout the entire justice system to better support survivors.
- Housing and Support: Expanding refuge accommodation, housing options, and wraparound social supports for victims fleeing abuse.
- Legal Aid Access: Improving access to civil legal aid specifically for victims of DSGBV to ensure they can navigate the court system effectively.
- Domestic Violence Leave: Increasing paid domestic violence leave from current levels to ten days, allowing workers time to seek safety and support.
- Bail Law Reform: Strengthening bail laws in cases involving domestic violence to better protect potential victims during investigations.
- Professional Training: Enhancing training for the judiciary, legal professionals, and An Garda Síochána to ensure high standards of handling abuse allegations.
- Police Accountability: Implementing stronger accountability measures within An Garda Síochána, including the suspension of members under investigation for DSGBV pending the outcome of inquiries.
- Protection Order Enforcement: Improving victim protections through stricter enforcement of protection and barring orders.
- Combating Tech Abuse: Addressing the growing threat posed by technology-facilitated abuse, including harmful online content and AI-enabled violence.