Useful Information

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, please call Women’s Aid 24-hr Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 or dial 999 if it’s an emergency situation. If you are worried for your safety please attend any Garda station where members are now highly trained in supporting women and spotting the subtle elements of coercive control.  Heretofore coercive control as  form of abuse was largely unrecognised in the community and women suffered in silence.

Thankfully due to the bravery of some survivors of this  form of abuse coercive control is now recognised as an actual offense and carries a prison sentence. Coercive  control can affect the daily lives of women from all different socio-economic backgrounds and ethnic groupings. To other people that meet them they may seem to have the perfect life.
 

 Sometimes It is only when women have an opportunity to step outside of the relationship that they begin to realise the destructive pattern that they are in. As women we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and be alert to the subtle signs of this horrific intimate partner abuse.
 

At the Kerry Womens Centre we are continuing to educate ourselves and to work with other agencies to pool our knowledge and collaborate to ensure that the women of Kerry are supported to rid themselves of this scourge that  can have a devastating and long -term impact on them .

Become involved in the centre, avail of the wonderful workshops that are available which will educate ,inspire empower and allow you achieve agency over your own life. Abuse thrives when women are isolated, connect  and if you are having issues we will get you the help you need.
 

By Rita O Sullivan (Kerry Women's Centre)

 

What is Coercive Control?

Coercive control  is a criminal offence which occurs when a current or ex-partner knowingly and persistently engages in behavior that is controlling or intimidating and a reasonable person would consider it likely to have a serious effect on the person. The victim may fear that violence will be used against them, or they may be suffering serious alarm or distress that has a substantial impact on their day-to-day activities.

The victim of coercive control may have their freedom of movement reduced. Every aspect of their life may be controlled by their current or ex-partner, including access to their personal finances and the freedom to see family and friends. 

Coercive control is the collection of small, seemingly minor incidents or details that in isolation are not a criminal offence, but when viewed together display a web of abuse that is insidiously and forcibly eroding a person’s quality of life.

Coercive control can affect the daily lives of women from all socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities. To other people who meet them they may appear to have the perfect life.

Sometimes it is only when women have an opportunity to step outside the relationship that they begin to realise, the destructive nature of the abuse they are experiencing. As a society we need to be alert to the subtle signs of potential abuse. At the Kerry Womens Centre we are continuing to educate ourselves and work with other agencies and pool our knowledge to ensure that the women of Kerry are supported to rid themselves of the scourge of intimate partner abuse. 

Become a member of our Centre and take part in the workshops that are available, which will educate, inspire, empower and allow you achieve agency over your own life. Abuse thrives when women are isolated. Connect with us and if you are having issues, we can signpost you to the help you need. Together we are stronger!

Is it an offence in Irish legislation?

The offence of Coercive Control is a specific offence in Irish legislation, as per section 39 Domestic Violence Act 2018, and came into effect on the 1st of January 2019.

 

Investigation

In an emergency situation victims are urged to contact 999.  Otherwise contact can be made with your local Garda Station or the Garda Victim Service Office (GVSO) to find out further information on the Criminal Justice Process and report the incident.

In due course and at an agreed time and place, the victim will be invited to make a statement of complaint to Gardai. Gardai will then gather evidence, if available, and may take statements from others to progress the investigation, as is required, by the Irish Criminal Justice Process.

An arrest of the suspected offender may take place if there are reasonable grounds for doing so. 

A file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and his direction will be sought as to whether a charge will or will not be brought against the suspected offender.

 

Information

An Garda Siochana has a clear mission statement, to “Keep People Safe” and we are fully committed to this.

We aim to deliver a consistently high level of service to every victim of crime by providing a respectful, reassuring, responsive and reliable service, addressing the needs and expectations of all victims in a non-discriminatory manner.

 

Further Information

• Garda Victim Service Office (GVSO) - 066 7163303, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
  Email: Kerry.VictimService@garda.ie

• Garda Website – www.garda.ie

• Bright Sky Ireland App

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Support

Adapt – Kerry Women’s Refuge and Support Service – 066 7129100 –  generalmanager@kerryrefuge.com

Crime Victims Helpline – Freephone 116006 – info@crimevictimshelpline.ie

Womens Aid – Freephone 1800 341 900 – info@womensaid.ie

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Protection

Domestic Violence Orders are granted on application by a Judge of the District Court. 

For further information contact:

Tralee Court Office – CenterPoint, John Joes Sheehy Road, Tralee Co Kerry - 066 7178700 –traleecourtoffice@courts.ie
 

In an emergency please ring 999.

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By Fidelma O Leary (Garda - Castleisland)

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Together We Are Stronger