Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today I wish to raise the issue of domestic violence. I welcome Ms Maria McDonald, a founder member of the Victims' Rights Alliance to the Visitors Gallery. I have read disturbing comments made by the Master of the National Maternity Hospital, Dr. Rhona Mahony, about attacks on mums-to-be in their own homes being pretty common. She further stated that these pregnant women are more likely to be assaulted in their abdomen than in their face. Furthermore, it is estimated that one in eight pregnant women is the victim of domestic violence. Dr. Mahony said that domestic violence affects all parts of our society. Shame and stigma are still felt by the victims. The victims are not the ones who should be suffering from shame and anxiety. The man or woman who is the abuser is the person who ought to be ashamed of himself or herself.

I do not believe enough is being done to raise awareness of domestic violence, and that nobody, male or female, should be abused or assaulted in his or her own home. In a further worrying report, it appears that battered women are being turned away from shelters outside the area where they normally live. It is totally unacceptable that women who have been assaulted in their own homes are then subsequently turned away from shelters that are supposed to be there to help and support these vulnerable women. It has been reported today that the Victims' Rights Alliance believes that Ireland is contravening an EU directive that was supposed to have been transposed into Irish law but which to date has not been. A representative from the Victims' Rights Alliance has reported that it is aware of circumstances where women are being turned away from shelters because they do not reside in the catchment area. It is nothing short of appalling that women who are courageous enough to walk out of their homes and brave enough to take that leap away from their abusers should find that the door is then shut in their faces at the place they seek refuge. Where do the shelters expect those battered and abused women to go to when they turn them away from their doors. We know the women are likely to end up back in the home of the abuser. It is like something one would see in a Third World country. The Government must act urgently on this information and show that it stands with victims of these crimes. I thank Ms Maria McDonald for coming to the House today. If any Members would like to speak to her later, I am sure she would be delighted to pass on her contact details to arrange a meeting.