Psychological control within relationships set to become a crime

Psychological control within relationships is set to become a crime.

Psychological control within relationships set to become a crime

Psychological control within relationships is set to become a crime.

The new Domestic Violence Bill includes a provision for coercive control such as mental or financial abuse.

Advocates at a conference on justice for women urged the Government to sign the bill into law as soon as possible, to encourage more victims of domestic violence to come forward.

Emma Murphy is a survivor of domestic violence and says it is vital coercive control is recognised.

She said: "I'm hoping it will encourage more women to come forward around these topics because control is something that is mentally challenging lifelong, it is not just something you can get over, it is not a bruise that will heal in three or four weeks it is a mental scar which will last a life time."

There are also calls for a victims ombudsman to be appointed.

Advocates for victims of domestic violence say it is just one of the supports needed to encourage abused people to come forward.

They have also called for increase resources for Gardai and front-line services who deal with people in crisis.

Barrister and Co-founder of the Victims' Rights Alliance Maria McDonald says that things are improving but an ombudsman would help.

Domestic violence victims could also be allowed to give evidence behind screens or via videolink.

The Criminal Justice Victims of Crime Act aims to make it easier for all victims to report crimes and see them through to prosecution.

The conference today has heard of the need for additional measures to support victims so that they come forward in the first place.

Barrister and co-founder of the Victims' Rights Alliance Maria McDonald says the Act is a great first step.

She said: "For the first time victims have been defined in Irish law, previously there was no definition, they had basic rights to information, on first contact with the Guards regardless of whether somebody makes a formal complaint."

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