Modernised and inclusive RSE programme remains critical to long-term plan to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence – Carroll MacNeill

Today’s launch of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence is a key driver in furthering the rights and supports for victims and service providers, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Fine Gael Spokesperson for Equality, said: “So many people, victims, NGOs and charities have waited in anticipation for today’s launch. The challenge now will be its implementation and delivery.

“The Third National Strategy, following multiple consultations and stakeholder engagement, now comes down to important cross-Departmental engagement to ensure everyone steps up and delivers each of the 144 action points contained within the plan.

“In particular, the work proposed for the family law systems, specifically its interaction with public criminal law and the child protection justice systems, is crucial. I have heard heart-breaking stories over the last two years from people who have seen their abusers use the court systems and processes as another form of abusive control.

“As a consequence, it is important to see emphasis placed on the family law systems in the Third National Strategy. As well as that, for the first time, children are referenced within the Strategy, something that we haven’t seen previously.

“Of course, the delivery of a modernised and inclusive Relationship and Sexual Education remains critical. Any number of measures put in place are preventative, but to truly get to the root of the problem, we need to look to how we’re educating our young people, from aged 5 right through to third level education. This needs to happen as quickly as possible.

“I have long been seeking clarity of the timeline for delivery of the RSE programme especially at primary cycle level. A Parliamentary Question I received last week states that this work will now begin in September 2022 with completion of the work of a Development Group due in early 2025 for approval by the Minister.

“I hope today’s Strategy underlines the necessity of improved and expedited delivery of a modernised RSE programme. It is the key long term ask of every Domestic Abuse actor in the sector and the only way of achieving generational attitudinal change.

“Today is a positive day. I hope victims who are still suffering abuse, and those who have survived abuse, feel seen today, and that this Strategy will be the start of a new, improved way of helping and supporting victims.” concluded Deputy Carroll MacNeill.