Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

This is a societal problem. However, my own assessment of it is that there is a growing recognition of the extent of this problem and there is a greater sense of confidence and capacity on the part of women to no longer tolerate this and therefore, to report it.

9 o’clock

There is a debate as to whether the increased numbers are due to an increase in violence against women or a greater sense of confidence and security in coming forward. It is probably an alignment of both, I regret to say. The increase in violence against women seems to be driven from the completely malign and repulsive presentation on social media to young men and boys as to how relationships should develop. We need to keep an eye on what is happening with boys and young men owing to what they are being exposed to online. However, I believe the attitude of society, politics and people in this House to domestic violence has changed remarkably. There is strong resistance to tolerating it any further. The Garda is doing a good job in respect of it.

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