Domestic Violence

The issue of domestic violence was referred to the Law Reform Commission following upon a Report of the Special Advisory Committee on Gender Violence. The then Cabinet gave a directive in December 2008 that gender violence matters should be examined within the parameters of the Law Reform Commission.

The intention behind the reforms was to enhance the protective remedies available to specified categories of persons living within a household residence and who are or may become exposed to domestic violence conduct. It was recognised that acts of domestic violence within the household setting was on the increase and that there was a need to ensure that all victims were afforded the appropriate remedies, irrespective of the nature of the domestic relationship or the type of abusive conduct committed.