Ms Siobhan Barron:

I am grateful to be here on behalf of the National Disability Authority, NDA, to discuss the issue of domestic and sexual violence and, in particular, to allow for a focus on the issues in respect of people with disability. The NDA is an independent statutory body with responsibility for providing information and advice to the Minister that is relevant to the lives of persons with disabilities and promoting universal design in Ireland. As outlined in the written submission to the joint committee, the NDA has undertaken research in the area of abuse and violence against people with disabilities. We are a member of the national steering committee on violence against women, chaired by the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, COSC. The NDA wishes to highlight the following points on domestic and sexual violence against people with disabilities, drawing on NDA work to date. There is a considerable body of evidence showing that, people with disabilities are at a higher risk of violence and abuse compared to others, and are more likely than others to have experienced multiple incidents of sexual violence. Irish data shows that those with severely hampering disabilities are 2.9 times more likely to have experienced domestic and violent abuse than other adults. Raising awareness and education about domestic violence and related issues are critical for improving the knowledge levels of people with disabilities considered most at risk in order to empower them in relationships while at the same time protecting them from violence and abuse. Disclosure of abuse may be particularly difficult for persons with disabilities, especially where they are dependent on care and may feel less comfortable complaining, may have little contact with others or may have difficulty communicating. Often, they feel they will not be taken seriously.

In line with Government policy, as people with disabilities move out of institutions to living in the community, there is a need for a renewed focus on appropriate supports and protection in mainstream settings to prevent domestic and sexual violence against them, which is why we are delighted the committee has included disability in the discussion. Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 needs to be reformed to widen the definition of what constitutes a sexual offence and to give clarity on consensual sexual relations between vulnerable adults where they have the capacity to consent to sexual relations. Article 16 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, commits state parties to take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, educational and other measures to protect persons with disabilities, within and outside the home, from all forms of exploitation, violence and abuse. On ratifying the convention, Ireland will be required to fulfil this requirement.

We are pleased the focus of discussion is on solutions to address the issues raised. As an advisory body, the NDA has undertaken research and has funded some of the research members heard about this morning. The Rape Crisis Network of Ireland undertook research on sexual violence against persons with disabilities and specific barriers to disclosure. Barriers include fear of being blamed, a fear of not being believed or a fear of the legal process, with almost 25% fearing loss of support if they come forward. We also funded research by the School of Applied Social Studies and the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights in University College Cork, which shows areas of the criminal justice system that need to be improved so that they are accessible to persons with disabilities and to ensure an understanding of disability. The NDA continues to engage with other relevant bodies, as appropriate, to guide them on many of the issues that arise, including our engagement with COSC and those in the justice system generally in respect of access and awareness. I thank committee members for their attention and I look forward to the discussion.