A report published this morning by SAFE Ireland says the system in Ireland often regards domestic violence as a nuisance rather than a crime.
The report calls on the Government to expand the legal definition of domestic abuse to ensure that it is treated seriously.
The report, entitled 'The Lawlessness of the Home', found that women are often not taken seriously when they make a complaint to gardaí about a domestic violence incident or when barring or safety orders are breached.
SAFE Ireland says in some cases crimes such as rape, assault and battery within a relationship are not being treated as a criminal offence.
It says that women were silenced in court and that their allegations of domestic violence were not fully investigated.
It also recommends the establishment of a specially integrated court, which is operated by professionals trained in the area of domestic violence.
