Calls For Survivor-Led Framework To Tackle Gender-Based Violence

Monday, 27 April 2026 13:06

By Hannah Kelly

A report from the National Observatory on Violence against Women found survivor engagement can significantly improve legislation and policies in tackling the issue

Recommendations are being made for a framework for engaging with survivors of gender-based violence to shape policy in the area.

A report from the National Observatory on Violence against Women found survivor engagement can significantly improve legislation and policies in tackling the issue.

It recommends the establishment of a survivor-chaired Lived Experience Advisory Council to advise the Government.

Mary-Louise Lynch, founder of Survivors Informing Services and Institutions, says the need for this change is urgent:

“Violence against women is at epidemic proportions, with over 65,000 calls to gardaí in 2024, on domestic violence alone", said Corinne Hasson, Executive Director at the National Women's Council.

"There has been a real effort made by the government and Cuan to include survivors’ voices in efforts to tackle violence against women."

According to the EU gender-based violence survey, Fundamental Rights Agency, 2024, 35 per cent of women in Ireland (more than one in three), have experienced psychological, physical and/or sexual abuse from an intimate partner.

Yesterday, The Irish Independent reported that gardaí responded to more than 67,000 domestic abuse call-outs last year.

The full report from the National Observatory on Violence against Women can be found here.

HELPLINES:

Teach Tearmainn 1800 91 91 91/ Web: teachtearmainn.ie

Women’s Aid 1800 341 900

Women’s Aid Kildare/West Wicklow: 045 527 584

Saoirse Domestic Violence: 1800 911 221

Men’s Aid: 01 554 3811

Male Advice Line: 1800 816 588

Men's Development Network: 051-844260/1 or email men@mensnetwork.ie