Ms Margaret Martin:

In terms of domestic violence, in many cases the woman is placed under pressure from her partner to withdraw from any criminal processes. This is a live and ongoing difficulty for many women and one which needs to be addressed. Any measures that can be introduced to remove these types of pressures from women and allow them to support criminal investigations and so forth would be much more effective if they mirrored the position regarding domestic violence. Unfortunately, this is very often not the case. The waiting time to have a barring order issued at the Dublin District Law Office in Dolphin House is approximately 12 weeks, which is a long time for people who are under pressure and whose partner knows everything about them. Even if a barring order is in place or one feels one is protected, one needs a great deal of support and protection around that time. Perhaps Ms Mazzone wishes to comment.