Monaghan Senator Robbie Gallagher says that a Fianna Fail Bill to implement a Domestic Violence Register must proceed as quickly as possible. Recent high-profile cases of violence against women demonstrate that the Bill must proceed to committee stage as soon as there is time within the Seanad schedule, according to Senator Gallagher. A report by Women's Aid shows that in 42% of cases, the victim had already obtained a protective order against the perpetrator. Speaking to Northern Sound, Senator Gallagher said that the shocking attack on Natasha O'Brien was a violent and vicious assault which was unprovoked. He added that unfortunately, this attack was just the latest high-profile example of gender-based and domestic violence which is a scourge in our country. The Fianna Fail representative believes that we must do everything we can to change this.
"In 58% of cases the perpetrator had previous conviction(s) and/or was known to Gardaí," explained Senator Gallagher. "Women's Aid themselves have warned that these figures are just the 'tip of the iceberg' as it is believed that a third of women will never come forward. This demonstrates how the existence of a Domestic Violence Register could help prevent domestic and gender-based violence. It would give the Gardaí a tool to be able to inform somebody, when asked, if their partner has a violent history. My colleague, Senator Fiona O Loughlin who introduced the Bill is seeking that it be brought to committee stage as soon as there is time in the Seanad schedule."
