Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gender-based violence is an issue that effects every socioeconomic group in the country. It is an abuse that can manifest itself in many different ways, be it through physical violence or coercive control, and is not reserved for any particular age category. In 20% of detected sexual violence incidents, both the victims and the offenders are under 18 years of age. Unfortunately, we are not witnessing the dying embers of a misguided misogyny of a bygone era. Gender violence is as prevalent now as it ever was. Some of the weapons have changed, such as the use of social media and the sharing of intimate images, but the intent of power and control remain the same. Unfortunately, too often in this country such violence has led to the violent death of women at the hands of men.

I realise that many of the women watching the proceedings today, and I am sure many women in this Chamber, will have been targeted by the everyday sexism, harassment and misogyny that is present in every aspect of Irish life, ranging from the workplace through recreational and social pursuits to, perhaps worst of all, the home. We have an obligation to prevent another generation of women and girls experiencing misogyny and gender-based violence. There are many things that we can do as legislators, but there is so much more that we can do in our everyday lives. For too long we have ignored or downplayed misogynist comments and sexually aggressive language. Zero tolerance cannot just be a call made to the courts. Zero tolerance of misogyny must be the clarion call to all of us, particularly men and boys, as we go about our daily lives. As a society and as legislators we must do more to end this scourge. Recent figures provided by the Garda in Limerick show that in the Limerick Garda division there was a year-on-year increase of 21% in reported domestic abuse incidents.

Ashling Murphy's death united a nation in grief. I send my deepest sympathy to Ashling's family, her friends and her pupils. From Belfast to Limerick, people attended dignified vigils. The message was clear that they have had enough. An average of almost ten women have died violently each year over the past 25 years in this State, which is a truly shocking figure. The onus is now on all Members in this Chamber to do more. In November 2020, Safe Ireland issued a report stating that between March and August of that year, 1,970 women and 411 children each month were receiving help from a domestic violence support service. People have talked about this being a watershed time. Hopefully, on a cross-party basis, we can ensure that by working together we can bring about the seismic change that is needed.

There are many things that must be done as a priority. One that we can do immediately is introduce a provision for domestic violence leave. In November 2019, I and my party leader, Deputy McDonald, introduced the Organisation of Working Time (Domestic Violence Leave) Bill. It has been reintroduced in this Dáil by Deputies McDonald and O’Reilly and was before the committee on children today. I hope it can be progressed as fast as possible. The Bill proposes to provide for paid domestic violence leave days for those experiencing domestic abuse. The intent is to provide the space for those experiencing such abuse to take time out of work to put in place safeguards to protect themselves without the fear of losing pay. This legislation is an important addition to existing workplace rights. The provision of a statutory entitlement to paid leave would be an acknowledgment by legislators of the challenges workers may face when trying to escape an abusive relationship. Sinn Féin’s legislation provides for up to ten days paid domestic violence leave.

If we are to end the epidemic of domestic abuse in Ireland we must have a whole-of-society response that both supports and protects women. Research tells us that abusive partners often do not give a damn about the split between home and work. Stalking, persistent telephone calls and threats in or around the workplace can often occur. Coercive control, now recognised under the Domestic Violence Act 2018, can lead to abusers focusing their efforts on a partner’s workplace for the purpose of ending the employment. Legislators and employers have a responsibility to respond to this avenue of abuse by putting in place the necessary workplace and employment rights and protections for victims.

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