When a number of high-profile voluntary agencies threaten to withhold co-operation from an Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, it is time for Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to sit up and take notice. The National Women's Council of Ireland, along with Amnesty International and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, want all forms of violence against women, including rape, sexual assault and trafficking, to be included in the responsibilities of the new body. In addition, they are angry over a lack of consultation.
Voluntary agencies are notoriously protective of their "patch", as governments have discovered to their cost. They frequently support the most vulnerable people in difficult circumstances and receive little official recognition. All the more reason, then, for ministers to proceed with extreme caution when drawing up a response to violence against women in our society. Also, when the agenda is being drafted by a conservative Department of Justice, particular care is required.
There is no doubt Mr McDowell and the Taoiseach Mr Ahern, meant well when they announced details of a National Women's Strategy last month. Their stated aim was to create a society "where women can enjoy equality with men and achieve their full potential while enjoying a safe and fulfilling life". Twelve areas of concern, involving a number of departments, were identified where progress should be made.
The National Women's Strategy contained 13 proposals to improve services for the victims of violence, along with effective prevention and prosecution mechanisms. It suggested health service personnel should be trained to understand the impact of sexual, emotional and physical abuse. It advocated a 24-hour service for the victims of sexual violence. It wanted further research to be conducted into violence against women. Critically, it proposed the establishment of an executive office to co-ordinate all Government responses to violence against women, including domestic violence.
A Government decision to concentrate attention on domestic violence and to establish an Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence with special funding of € 21 million has antagonised those NGOs that deal with a wider range of violent activity. A lack of consultation, involving a direct slight to their professionalism, was the primary reason. But a shift in policy was another. It doesn't have to be like this. The Government and the NGOs have the same objective: to reduce all forms of violence against women. Changing the name, remit and role of the new office is not an insurmountable task.