Councillor Helen Ogbu, Labour’s candidate in the Galway West by-election, has called for urgent action to protect victims of domestic abuse, as Labour brings forward a motion in the Dáil this week highlighting serious gaps in policing and the failure to roll out Domestic Abuse Coordination Teams nationwide.
Cllr Ogbu said that across Galway West, families are being failed by a system that is not properly equipped to respond to domestic abuse. Domestic abuse survivors need a coordinated, specialist response from An Garda Síochána, yet right now there are no Domestic Abuse Coordination Teams operating in Galway,” she said. adding that this is a serious gap in protection which must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“This is an area I have worked in and I have considerable experience of the reality facing victims and survivors. I know how important it is that people receive a coordinated, timely and compassionate response when they come forward. Without that, too many are left feeling unsupported and unsafe.
“These teams play a critical role. They bring together Gardaí and support services to ensure that victims and survivors are not left to navigate the system alone. They improve communication, strengthen follow up and ensure cases are handled with the care and urgency they deserve. In areas where they are in place, including Limerick, Wexford, Dundalk and Dublin, they are making a real difference,” said Cllr Ogbu.
“But in Galway West, survivors are being left without that same level of support. That is not acceptable. This failure sits alongside wider issues in policing. Garda visibility has dropped and resources are stretched. We now have fewer Gardaí per person than we did just a few years ago, despite a growing population.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have failed to properly resource An Garda Síochána and have failed to roll out these essential teams nationwide. That has created a two tier system where your access to support depends on where you live.
“I am calling on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to support Labour’s Dáil motion on Wednesday and immediately roll out Domestic Abuse Coordination Teams in Galway. Survivors in Galway West cannot wait. They need action now,” she said.
