Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)

I support this important motion on domestic violence and sexual violence generally. The motion is most comprehensive and deserves the support of all Members of the House. It is a sad fact and a blot on society that violence against women in the home is a widespread and serious crime which is not given the priority or attention it requires. Crimes of sexual violence, despite their rising incidence and increasingly horrific nature, do not receive the focus they deserve, either in the media or elsewhere. So-called gangland gun crime seems to obsess everyone while the most appalling sexual crimes are not given the necessary emphasis. If they were to become a focus of attention, perhaps a more proactive approach would be taken towards introducing many of the measures and steps outlined in the motion.

On the issue of sexual violence against women, in a Garda district in my constituency the recorded crime of rape increased by 50% during 2006. This rise, which was much higher than the national average, barely received a mention in the national media, whereas gun and drug crimes receive constant blanket coverage and an unending litany of measures are introduced in response to them.

I note the motion highlights the variation in Garda practice, even within Garda stations. This is a serious issue which often dissuades women from making complaints. I remember being present in a Garda station in the early hours of the morning when a distraught and battered woman entered seeking Garda assistance. The response of the garda, in my presence, was to ask the woman if her husband had taken a few drinks and if she would not wait for an hour or two before returning home as her husband might then be sleeping off the drink. Although it was patently obvious that she was terrified and had been brutally attacked, this seemed to be swept aside because the assailant was her husband and had taken a few drinks. It was only when I intervened that the attitude of the garda in charge in the station changed. This incident took place some years ago and I expect an entirely different approach would be taken these days. I often wonder how many women continue to suffer silently because they have had a similar experience in the past and still believe they will not receive the necessary level of support from the authorities. I support the motion.

See this speech in context