Currently only applies where there is, or was, an intimate relationship.
86 per cent of people want laws on coercive control expanded to all situations where the abuse is carried out.
A new Safeguarding Ireland study also shows 7 in 10 people have become more aware of this type of abuse during the pandemic.
COERCIVE CONTROL – @safeguardingire Public Awareness, May 10-23.
— Safeguarding Ireland (@safeguardingire) May 10, 2021
NEWS RELEASE: @REDCResearch – 86% want laws on Coercive Control expanded. https://t.co/gcITsF8WdN@Safeguarding_ie @HSELive @AmandaPhelan1 @AmandaC62359371 @sarahmdonnelly1 @Sineadmcgar @SAFEIreland @Womens_Aid
Coercive control has been a criminal offence since 2019, but only when there is, or has been, an intimate relationship between the victim and abuser.
Safeguarding Ireland Chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke feels this has to change