DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

I am married and I live with my husband and our young children. When my husband
drinks or is stressed, he can be physically abusive. I don’t want to leave my home or my
children. Is there anything I can do to protect myself?

Domestic violence is any form of physical, sexual or psychological violence which puts the safety
or welfare of a family member at risk. Under the Domestic Violence Act, 1996, there are two
main kinds of protection available to you, namely a safety order and a barring order.
A safety order is a court order prohibiting a violent person from further violence or threats of
violence. It does not oblige the person to leave the family home.
A barring order is an order which requires the violent person to leave the family home. The order
also prohibits the person from further violence or threats of violence, and from watching or being
near your home.
You must apply to the District Court to get a barring order or a safety order. While you are
waiting for the court to decide on your application, the court may grant you an immediate order
called a protection order. This has the same effect as a safety order.
If a court order is granted, it is a crime to break such an order. The Gardai can arrest and charge
the violent person for such an offence.
In the District Court, a safety order can last up to 5 years and a barring order up to 3 years. These
orders can be renewed by applying for a further order before the previous one has expired.

Locations

ATHLONE

Oak House,
39-41 Mardyke Street,
Athlone,
Co. Westmeath
N37 TA44

Tel: (090) 647 8433
Email: info@bccsolicitors.ie

GALWAY

9 Gray Office Park,
Galway Retail Park,
Headford Road,
Galway City
H91 WC1P

Tel: (091) 511 421
Email: info@bccsolicitors.ie

DUBLIN

24–26
Upper Ormond Quay,
Dublin 7

Tel: (090) 647 8433
Email: info@bccsolicitors.ie

MOATE

Main Street,
Moate,
Co. Westmeath
N37 EW70

Tel: (090) 648 2090
Email: info@bccsolicitors.ie

LANESBOROUGH

Main Street,
Lanesborough,
Co. Longford
N39 C8Y7

Tel: (043) 332 1200
Email: info@bccsolicitors.ie

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