Calls for Intervention to Tackle Root of Domestic Abuse

Ireland is failing victims of domestic abuse by not adequately intervening with the perpetrators, international experts will urge at UCC this Friday. a conference hosted by the School of Law at UCC will suggest existing state responses to domestic abuse are typically reactive and under-resourced. The need for a domestic abuse intervention system which seeks to effect change in the behaviour of the perpetrator in order to improve the lives of the victims will be explored.Dr Louise Crowley of the School of Law commented that "Whilst priority is rightly given to providing for and protecting vulnerable women and children, we must now seek to break the cycle of gender-based violence and where at all possible, tackle the root of abuse".The potential value of an integrated approach to the complexities of domestic violence has been recognised nationally and internationally. The capacity for change amongst perpetrators may be limited to the minority, but where possible change must be encouraged stated Crowley. "Developing a holistic response which includes a targeted intervention for perpetrators can reduce the risk of re-offending".Research shows domestic abuse is estimated to affect one in every five women, with an under-reporting of crime both by victims and statistics in Ireland. Whilst domestic violence affects men and women; both research and the everyday experiences of domestic violence services demonstrate the undeniable gendered dimensions of domestic abuse.Few targeted services are available for men who seek to address their own aggressive behaviour. Dr. Crowley continued saying "For those who seek help, it must be available. For those who need help, perhaps it ought to be mandatory. Without behavioral change, how can we improve the lives of women and children?".The success of perpetrator intervention programmes depends upon the effectiveness of the systems in which they operate, and the ability to establish a coordinated, comprehensive community response, involving the Courts, An Garda Siochána, the Probation Service, Tusla and women's support services, to reinforce the message that violence against women and children will not be tolerated and that the strongest sanctions will apply.Dr Crowley said however "there must co-exist a willingness to provide the opportunity for abusers to tackle their own behaviour, where such intervention provides a possibility for reduced incidents of abuse". Reference will be made to preliminary research data developed between Dr Crowley and MOVE (Men Overcoming Violence) Cork.Research conducted by Dr Crowley and MOVE found that 50% of the interviewees had never appeared before the civil or criminal courts for domestic violence. The majority of interviewees viewed the legal system as too lenient and according to one participant "if the victim doesn't push it there isn't a conviction".The conference will take place in Brookfield complex from 9.30 to 13.30, free of charge and open to the public. Dr Crowley "hopes this sharing of knowledge and experience will direct the future of Irish law and policy reform and ultimately better safeguard those in abusive intimate relationships". To register contact n.delea@ucc.ie. More information can be found at www.ucc.ie/en/lawsite/eventsandnews/title-608505-en.html.