Gardai

Gardai have responsibilities when investigating an incident of domestic abuse.

The Garda Domestic Violence Policy states that the Gardai should:

Talk to you and your partner in separate rooms
Arrest the abuser if a court order has been broken, or the abuser has seriously assaulted you.
Provide information on your legal options
Inform you of the services locally that may be able to offer support
Use a Gardai car to transport you to a safe place
Give you their names in full, and the contact details of the Gardai station to which they are attached
Collection of evidence: torn or bloodied clothing and review condition of scene
Make contact with you at least once in the following month, to give information about any investigation and to check that you are safe

All Gardai should be aware of this policy. You have the right to expect that any Garda will do what it says above.

If you have any difficulties with the Garda response to your situation, you can raise the issue with the superintendent in charge.

See our Helpful numbers section for Garda telephone numbers.