Domestic Violence

The enhancement of the protective remedies available to specified categories of persons who are or may become exposed to domestic violence conduct.

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.

The Final Report of the LRC was accepted by Cabinet and subsequently the Protection from Domestic Violence Law, 2010 was enacted and came into force on 25th October, 2010.