A woman has successfully received a protection order against her former partner following death threats he made against her, including threats to cause her serious bodily harm by throwing acid on her face. Appearing at the emergency domestic violence court in Dublin, the woman alleged that the man appeared around her property multiple times a week, causing great distress and fear. Another woman also successfully obtained a protection order against her ex-partner, who had continuously sent her menacing text messages reminding her of his dangerous nature. He also implicitly threatened her life and the life of any other man he might find in her company. The woman recalled to Judge Gerard Furlong past instances where her ex-partner physically abused her, even necessitating hospital treatment.
The judge treated both cases separately, recognising the gravity of the threats made in each circumstance. Consequently, he did not hesitate to grant the requested protection orders. These women were some among several applying for ex parte orders (orders granted when only one party is present) under the Domestic Violence Act at the Dolphin House Family Court Complex in Dublin on a recent Friday.
An additional woman secured temporary barring orders against her two adult sons in their thirties. She alleged that her sons have long been drug addicts, using substances like crack cocaine, cannabis and pills. Their addiction forced her into a payment of €3,000 to drug dealers last October. Multiple raids on her home have occurred in relation to the drugs, instilling constant fear in her and her husband and leading to their decision to not want their sons at home anymore.
The woman revealed that one of her sons had recently attempted to break into her bedroom from the roof as she kept the door locked. While she takes care of her grandchildren, she expressed concerned about the effect of witnessing their fathers’ behaviour on them. Although one son is generally a good father, his attitude becomes unpredictable and violent when under the influence of drugs. Neither son contributes financially to the household, the woman added.
A grandmother, who has raised her grandson since he was a young boy, gladly shared that the lad, now in his teenage, has finished his A-levels and embarked on a successful career. She expressed pride in his accomplishment.
She had an unfortunate experience with another case where she had to go to court alongside her 19-year-old son, from whom she had recently secured an interim barring order. The young man struggles with substance abuse and often resorts to theft under the influence, hence the protective order. An earlier attempt at having him enroll for rehabilitation failed as he didn’t fulfill his commitment. All she yearns for is a peaceful abode, she admitted to the magistrate.
Relief came her way as another relative accepted her suggestion of keeping the son in his flat, but under the condition that he undergo therapy for his addiction. She revealed that her son has already enrolled in a recovery program due to start soon and she intends to be his strongest pillar of support, expressing readiness to welcome him back home as long as he goes through with the treatment and becomes a responsible member of society.
On hearing this, the judge revoked the interim barring order, replacing it with a protective order, acknowledging the rarity of encountering such positive resolve towards addressing addiction challenges. The court wished both mother and son the best of luck in their endeavours.
Similarly, a separated man stated that his ex-spouse had been monitoring him via a private investigator for an extended period, adversely affecting him and their children’s lives. The shared custody of their kids with his ex-wife has had a instilled fear in their minds to the extent that they dread stepping outside their father’s home. He claimed she has also sent anonymous letters containing personal details about him to his workplace on several occasions; she is systematically attempting to ruin him, he told the court.