UNCAT: Changes needed to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence

Legislative changes are necessary to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence in Ireland, the UN Committee Against Torture (UNCAT) has said.

Noeline Blackwell, CEO of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the committee “was concerned that some of our laws and systems are such that victims of sexual violence could be at risk of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and even of torture”.

In its report, the committee noted that the Domestic Violence Bill “does not presently contain a specific offence of domestic violence”.

However, it welcomed a statement indicating that the Government “is considering the possibility of amending it”.

The committee also recommended that the bill provide for victims of domestic violence to access legal aid for free, a position also backed by the Law Society of Ireland and FLAC.

Women’s Aid Ireland said the UN committee’s recommendations were “very welcome and necessary”.

Ms Blackwell added: “The recommendations that have come out from the Committee would definitely help to reduce the risk of harm from sexual violence for victims. The proposals are made by an expert, objective Committee which listened carefully to what the Government said, as well as what our organisations and others contributed.

“The recommendations are sensible, balanced and modest. They can be implemented if there is political will to do so.”