A Dublin-based police officer, Garda Shaunagh Gaffney, proficient in handling domestic violence cases, has advocated for the establishment of an exclusive nationwide agency to confront this crime. She requests the assignment of a considerable fraction of the police force to it. She functions as a domestic abuse coordinator in Ballyfermot and expressed her views at an event on Wednesday that unveiled research indicating that the said area was subjected to alarmingly high rates of violence against women.
The research, commissioned by the Dublin City Council, disclosed that ‘countless individuals’ in Dublin 10 cohabit with a persistent threat of lethal violence from armed partners. The study also highlighted that young women were lured into violent relationships under the assurance of drugs. It pointed out that the recurrent narratives of violence in families were taking a traumatic toll on the children.
The report, titled ‘Unveiling the Shadows: Dynamics of Domestic Violence and Abuse in Dublin 10’, contained a striking account of a local woman who had to use her baby as a defence shield.
Addressing the audience assembled at the Cherry Orchard community centre, Garda Gaffney argued that tackling domestic issues was an integral part of their routine in Ballyfermot.
She emphasised the ripple effects of these abusive incidents, stating how children became indirect victims due to their witnessing or experiencing such abusive behaviours.
Garda Gaffney wished for a dedicated team to handle domestic abuse cases, similar to those dealing with drug and crime investigations at community level to address the aforementioned issues.
She also suggested the facilitation of regular trainings and briefings for officers who usually respond to such calls.
Sean McDonnell, the chief researcher of the report, admitted that compiling the report had been a deeply moving experience. His team had interviewed numerous women of varying age groups, who had either fallen prey to or were acquainted with victims of such abuse. Many felt that the plight of Ballyfermot women was overlooked.
The original text revealed that acts of mistreatment were executed over long durations – sometimes spanning several years, with the oppressors rarely confronted and usually going on to engage in numerous relationships. Not only were the victims aware of the cruelty they faced, the community was also knowledgeable about these acts, he elaborated.
Conversations with the women disclosed a prevailing sentiment that certain facets within the community were somewhat accommodating of the oppressive behaviour. Service provision was virtually non-existent, and these women lacked a safe and structured environment to escape these abusive bonds. Threats were not only made towards the women, but also extended to their families and offspring.
The women shared a sentiment of invisibility, feeling as though not only their personal experiences were disregarded, but the experiences of women across the community were also overlooked.
The women’s demands weren’t merely for services to be available on a short to medium term basis. They called for the constant availability of services, services that these women could utilise and seek shelter with on a daily basis, expressed Mr McDonnell.