Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House to discuss this important issue. Many Members call for debates on domestic violence to highlight the ongoing difficulties that many people face. It is a problem that is not going away, unfortunately, but continues to grow. We have not been able to arrest this growth. While the Minister of State outlined the difficulties in dealing with the problem, I am concerned it is out of hand.

I am referring to domestic violence in an inclusive context and am not discriminating against men. It can affect anyone. A man, a woman or a child can be a victim of domestic violence. While I am not speaking solely about women and domestic violence, I must point out that women tend to suffer more in domestic violence. Recently, the House debated the concerning rise in the number of murders of women in the State. In the past ten years, 125 women have been murdered, some 50% in their own homes by a partner or former partner. We do not see the same level of murder — thankfully — of men at the hands of women. Murder is the extreme end of the domestic violence spectrum. If we do not tackle the issue, several years from now that number will have grown.

What is the cause of the increase in domestic violence incidents? Is it problems with society? Are people under greater stress, either from the work-life balance or financial pressures? Why are many more relationships becoming more violent? More money needs to be spent on education and awareness campaigns. While I welcome the current awareness campaign, it needs to be the fore. It should be part of a school programme. While children need to be made aware that violence of any type is unacceptable, they must be taught that violence between family members is a particularly serious crime. Children need to be taught how to resolve crises when they occur in families. Many do not have the skills to solve problems when they arise which then develop into violent situations.

The National Crime Council recently published figures on the extent and impact of domestic abuse against women and men in intimate partner relationships. Up to 15% of women and 6% of men suffer severe domestic abuse; 29% of women and 26% of men suffer domestic abuse when severe and minor abuse are combined; 13% of women and 13% of men suffer physical abuse. The report also shows that 29% of women, one in three, and only 5% of men, one in 20, report to the Garda. The figures are startling, particularly those for reporting to the Garda.

The Minister of State outlined why many people are afraid to report the abuse but they must be encouraged to do so. Where abuse goes unreported it may continue and get worse. People must be informed as to how best to deal with the problem, by reporting to the Garda and going to the organisations which will attempt to help them if they receive adequate funding. I welcome the promised increase which hopefully will come to the organisations.

People need support and further support is necessary when they go to court. Studies show that people must wait for unacceptable periods before their cases are heard, be it to get a barring order or whatever. The delays are unacceptable because these are vulnerable people. I urge the Minister of State to do anything he can to ensure that resources are provided to enable the courts to respond quickly to those who need help. The Minister of State mentioned the number of cases that went to court. That costs time and money. It would be better to give people the skills and the education to resolve their problems without having to go to court, and to continue to live together and keep the family unit together. That requires resources for the organisations.

Domestic violence has a serious impact on children who witness it. They may become withdrawn and depressed and will not perform well in school. The experience stays with them into their adult life and research has shown that children who have experienced or witnessed abuse may well become abusers. They are incomplete and damaged people. It is a serious problem and much more could be done at an early stage to intervene and give people the skills to work out their differences.

While legislation and policies have focused on violence against women, which is a significant issue, the Department of Health and Children should conduct a study on the impact of domestic violence on men to create a more equal approach. When we discuss domestic violence we should not confine it to women but should regard it as all-inclusive. I would like to hear the Minister of State's comments on that point. I do not want anybody to suggest that I am trying to devalue work on violence against women because I am calling for more work and funding in that area, but I want to see more recognition of the fact that domestic violence affects men, women and children.

I welcome what the Minister of State said about the sexual assault treatment units but we need more centres around the country, even when the two or three new ones come on stream. Women should not have to travel a great distance if they have been raped. Obstacles such as distance or waiting overnight or longer for a doctor's examination inhibit people from reporting the crime. We need to examine this problem and see what can be done to ensure that the services are in place. It is totally unacceptable, for example, that the people with the necessary medical and forensic skills were not available recently in the Rotunda Hospital. I hope that sufficient numbers of these people will be trained to provide this service around the country.

I welcome the fact that we have had the opportunity to debate this issue on which much more could be said. I also welcome the Minister of State's commitment to increase funding to organisations such as Women's Aid. I hope he will also recognise organisations that help men in this difficult situation when allocating funding this year.