Garda training on new Domestic Violence Act well underway – Conway

Garda training on the new Domestic Violence Act is well underway, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Fine Gael Spokesperson on Justice and Equality in Seanad Éireann, Martin Conway, said: “I very much welcomed the creation of the offence of Coercive Control under the new domestic violence legislation which came into effect earlier this month.

“It recognises that domestic violence is more than physical as it can also involve emotional abuse, humiliation or intimidation.

“In terms of training and awareness, members of An Garda Síochána are currently undergoing train-the-trainer training in the area of coercive control which will aid in the creation and delivery of organisational training.

“Training lectures are being delivered to Probationer Gardaí at the Garda College in Templemore by members of the Garda National Protected Services Bureau, prior to their postings.

“These presentations cover all aspects of domestic abuse and the key aspects of the new Domestic Violence Act, including coercive control, will be included.

“Domestic abuse, including the Domestic Violence Act 2018, are also being included in the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Training Programmes for 2019.

“Bi-monthly training for all serving members in the area of domestic violence is taking place. These are key opportunities to increase supervisory awareness of the new legislation.

“Protecting and supporting victims has been a key priority for Fine Gael in Government,” Senator Conway concluded.