Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to support this Bill. I am especially pleased the Government will not oppose the proposal. This Bill will be warmly welcomed by victims of domestic violence who work outside the home. The figures on domestic violence in Ireland are shocking. We have heard them quoted several times tonight. Approximately 15% of women and 6% of men have suffered severe domestic violence.

Of course, as we are all aware, it is even more shocking that during the Covid-19 lockdown those numbers increased significantly. I believe the number of extra calls to Women's Aid and other groups increased by something like 25%. It is worthwhile saying that during the lockdown, real efforts were made by gardaí and advocacy groups and by the Government with the extension of the temporary rent supplement to victims of domestic violence, to allow people to escape the terror of their homes.

While it is not the issue in question here, the fact that many counties, including my constituency of Sligo-Leitrim, north Roscommon and south Donegal and, in fact, whole swathes of this country, do not have dedicated refuges is a disgrace. I know the Minister is determined to do something about this but we need to do something as quickly as possible.

As I said, I am pleased that the Government will work with the Opposition and stakeholders to put legislation in place to ensure two weeks' paid leave for victims of domestic violence. This will give a small window of opportunity to victims to try to manage their lives.

Very often, the income that domestic violence victims have is their only opportunity to exert any control over their lives and those of their families. The loss of any income because victims are unable to work simply adds to the cruelty and awfulness of their circumstances. It is also important to remember that many victims may be in precarious employment and, therefore, any absence or inability to work or to deal with on-demand or shift work, split hours and so on may compound their situation. The terror that many victims experience at home is just exacerbated by their fear that they might lose their jobs, and, unfortunately, some do. Sometimes victims of domestic abuse are too ashamed to go to work because of the visible signs of abuse. Sometimes they need time to see their solicitor, go to court or just get a little support from family members and friends. It just gives them breathing space.

When we implement the measures in the Bill, we will be stepping up to the mark in regard to some of the recommendations from ILO Convention No. 190. It calls for, among other measures, paid leave for victims of domestic violence, flexible work arrangements and protection for victims, temporary protection against dismissal, and the inclusion of domestic violence in workplace risk assessments. Perhaps when we examine the Bill, we will examine some of the points I raised and consider including them as amendments.

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