Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate on the proposal for an EU directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. I support it for number of reasons. It modernises our procedures and, as the Minister said, standardises them to a minimum standard, at least, across the European Union.

I wish to focus on three areas. It is good that there is an emphasis on cyberspace. People need to realise that these types of crime do not just occur in the real world but can also occur in the virtual world. There is an emphasis on cyberstalking, cyberharassment, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and also incitement to hatred and violence in cyberspace. It is good that it is codified and standardised across the European Union.

I am pleased that the directive places emphasis on safe reporting and risk-assessment procedures. All Deputies recognise that this type of crime lends itself to under-reporting. There is emphasis on improved and increased pathways so that a female victim can report this type of crime and can do so in a child-friendly, accessible manner, especially online. That is a good way because sometimes female victims might not be able to leave the house without exposing themselves to further danger.

Healthcare workers are no longer bound exclusively by the right of confidentiality. If a healthcare worker comes across a situation where they believe there are reasonable grounds to believe that a female victim is likely to sustain further or physical abuse, they can report it to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

There is provision here that full compensation is payable to a female victim even during criminal court proceedings. It is good that female victims can claim damages and can claim back their healthcare costs. They can claim damages for physical or psychological harm or even for loss of income. That is a definite step forward.

I welcome the motion, but I echo the comments of other Deputies to the effect that prevention is better than cure. These are all punishments and sanctions, and rightly so. However, the emphasis should be on the education aspect which is so important and should start as early as possible with a change of culture and a change of behaviour. I welcome the directive and look forward to its swift implementation.

See this speech in context