Still not equal, domestic abuse

A third of Counties in the 26 Counties lack specialist services and shelters, Providing safe and
inclusive shelters for domestic violence victims is just one crucial aspect of addressing this pervasive
issue.

Ensuring that shelters are accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, irrespective of gender, ages,
ethnicities, and abilities, access based on the principle of equality.

Design and operate shelters in a way that accommodates diverse needs, such as providing materials
in multiple languages and offering disability-friendly facilities.

Implement robust security measures to ensure the safety of residents and staff. This may include
controlled access, security personnel, and external surveillance systems.

Maintain confidentiality to protect the identity and location of residents.

Employ staff members who are trained in handling the complexities of domestic violence situations,
including trauma-informed care and cultural competence.

Provide ongoing training to keep staff updated on best practices and emerging issues.

Establish partnerships with healthcare providers, legal services, and counselling organisations to
create a comprehensive support network.

Work closely with community organisations and County Councils to raise awareness and facilitate
outreach programs, with secure social housing as a right.

Offer services that cater to the unique needs of children who may be accompanying survivors. This
must include counselling, educational support, and recreational activities, not just in the
accommodation but further developmental access areas within localities

Provide family-oriented services to address the holistic needs of survivors and their dependents, with
an integrated wider family support service if needed or desired by the survivor and any children or
dependents.

Ensure access to counselling and therapeutic services for survivors to help them heal from the
emotional and psychological impact of domestic violence.

Incorporate trauma-informed approaches to support the recovery process, including dept restoration
by the abuser if appropriate.

Collaborate with legal services to assist survivors with obtaining restraining orders, custody
arrangements, and other legal measures to protect them from further harm.

Advocate for legal reforms that protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable, this must include
an end to the practice of access to a survivors therapy/counselling notes by an abuser for court
hearings.

Conduct outreach programs to raise public awareness about domestic violence and the available
support services.

Promote education on healthy relationships and early intervention strategies.

Develop programs that provide ongoing support to survivors as they transition to independent living.
This must include as a right access to housing, employment, and continued counselling.
 Still not equal, domestic abuse

Involve the local community in supporting survivors and challenging the social norms that
perpetuate domestic violence, this must include training and evaluation of State agencies attitudes
to victim blaming and ongoing trivialisation of the threat posed by domestic violence.

Encourage a culture of empathy, understanding, and zero tolerance for domestic violence.

Creating a network of safe and inclusive shelters, combined with comprehensive support services, is
essential to address the multifaceted needs of domestic violence survivors. It requires collaboration
between government agencies, non-profit organisations, and the community to build a safer and
more supportive environment for those affected by domestic violence.

The confidentiality of therapy and counselling sessions is generally protected by laws and ethical
standards to ensure a safe space for individuals seeking help. In many jurisdictions, therapists are
bound by laws and professional ethics that require them to keep the content of therapy sessions
confidential, unless there is a risk of harm to the individual or others. This confidentiality extends to
the notes taken during therapy sessions.

However, there are situations where confidentiality may be breached, such as when there is a legal
obligation to report abuse or when there is a risk of harm to the client or others. In the context of
domestic abuse, therapists may have a duty to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities if they
believe there is a risk of harm to the victim or others.

In legal proceedings, the issue of confidentiality can become complex. In some cases, therapy records
are subpoenaed and used as evidence in court, this practice must be stopped. However, there are
usually legal processes in place to protect the privacy of individuals, and therapists must be required
to seek the client's consent at all times.

It's important for individuals seeking therapy to discuss confidentiality with their therapist and to be
aware of the laws and ethical guidelines that govern the therapeutic relationship. If there are
concerns about the potential breach of confidentiality, individuals must be provided with a
consultant from the legal profession to better understand their rights and options.

Official figures for domestic violence in Ireland are insufficient and disjointed n the opinion of
external experts, meaning there is no accurate picture of the violence of domestic abuse.

“In any case, the well-being and safety of the individuals involved, especially victims of domestic
abuse, must be a primary consideration in legal and therapeutic contexts. If you or someone you
know is experiencing domestic abuse, it's important to seek support from appropriate
professionals or organisations to ensure safety and well-being”.

In reality this will not change as we have seen since the inception of the Republic of Ireland as an
entity, policy is about driving an agenda not built around parity of esteem or access, like those
forgotten as policy, the homeless, the sick or those in substance misuse hell, there are no brown
envelopes to be had and no sizeable votes to be garnered, only a social revolution will bring about
equality!