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Calls for department to tackle gender-based violence

It follows calls for a Government minister with responsibility for domestic violence (file pic)
It follows calls for a Government minister with responsibility for domestic violence (file pic)

The National Women's Council (NWC) has called on the Government to make one Department responsible for and accountable to tackling gender-based violence.

The suggestion will be discussed at the 16 Days of Action webinar which is being held by the National Observatory on Violence Against Women and Girls and chaired by NWC.

It follows previous calls by the Domestic Violence Service Safe Ireland for a minister with responsibility for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

The National Women's Council says a "transformative change" is needed, centered around victims and survivors.

According to NWC Director Orla O'Connor it would end "the current disjoined approach" where the Department of Justice is responsible for legislation and policy and Tusla is responsible for frontline services and their funding.

"This fundamentally requires action to ensure a cohesive Government strategy so we can create a society where violence against women is unacceptable and abhorrent to all of us," she said.