Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Domestic violence goes beyond physical violence. It can also involve the destruction of property, isolation from friends, family and other potential sources of support, threats to others, including children, stalking and control over access to money, personal items, food, transportation and even a mobile phone or house phone. Domestic violence is more common than most people realise. It can be unreported and misunderstood. It occurs in all social classes, ethnic groups and walks of life. There is no doubt that current pressures on housing, homelessness and everyday life challenges puts huge pressure on individuals which can result in domestic violence. There is no doubt that safeguards have to be put in place. Fianna Fáil strongly supports this Bill, which was significantly amended as it passed through the Seanad.

I compliment the national awareness campaign which is extremely important. The current series of adverts on television are hard-hitting, effective and they make one stop and think. They show a babysitter listening in on the child monitor and a person in a hotel room listening to next door, deciding whether to say something or to do nothing. They are very effective and at least we are having the conversation; it is making people stop and think. It is important we do not shy away or ignore it and that as a society we stand up and help. A kind word or some support can go a long way.

Fianna Fáil also appreciates the support of a number of NGOs, not least Safe Ireland and the National Women's Council in formulating amendments that truly reflect the experience of victims of domestic violence. We also welcome the move to a more victim centred approach in prosecuting crimes of this nature. Statistics have shown that Irish women are among the least likely in Europe to report crimes of domestic violence. A victim blaming culture is often cited as a major reason for this and there is a need for a cultural change in how crimes of this nature are viewed. It is hoped the legislation will go some way towards achieving that goal.

Deputy O'Callaghan spoke about coercive control. I also welcome the amendment which includes the ground of coercive control. It is groundbreaking and very welcome. Coercive control is defined as a pattern of sustained emotional and psychological abuse of a partner through threats, intimidation, control and restrictions on liberty. It has been recognised as an offence in UK law since 2015. There is much in the Domestic Violence Bill that we can appreciate.

That is something we do not always see. This kind of coercive control of people at home can involve simple things such as finance, access to phone, access to family or even simply going out to walk the dog. It is very welcome that this is being recognised as a major issue.

An EU-wide study in 2014 found that almost one in three Irish women had experienced some form of psychological violence from a partner. The seriousness of this behaviour cannot be overstated. Domestic homicide statistics in the UK have shown an overwhelming number of cases of women who were murdered. There was evidence of years of controlling, threatening and intimidating behaviour. Victims might not have bruising on their faces or bandages on their arms. These things are hidden behind closed doors.

The amendment to include the offence of coercive control is groundbreaking and very welcome. Similar research does not exist in this country, but it is likely that a similar correlation exists. Victims of domestic violence often cite emotional and psychological abuse as the greatest threat to their well-being. Fianna Fáil calls on the Government to commit to improving the collection of data relating to the recording of domestic violence. The lack of data impedes the development of evidence-based policy and has, no doubt, contributed to the delay in bringing forward this legislation. Societal attitudes need to change if there is to be a reduction in domestic violence. It is difficult to implement this change in the absence of the data. I appeal to the Minister to take on board the importance of committing to improving the collection of data on the recording of domestic violence.

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