Local TD tells Dáil of house call to victim of domestic violence on Christmas Day

The continued lack of a domestic violence refuge in County Roscommon is “unacceptable”, the Dáil was told

Speaking to his party colleague Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, Fianna Fáil TD Dr Martin Daly said he had made house calls on Christmas Day to the victims of domestic and gender based violence.

“Today, I speak not only as a TD for Roscommon-Galway but as a GP with over three decades of experience,” the Ballygar man said. “In that time, I have witnessed the hidden trauma of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I have seen the fear in people's eyes, the silent suffering, the intimidated, the coerced and the emotional and psychological scars that last long after physical injuries have healed. I have done that house call on Christmas Day with alcohol-fuelled violence, an injured wife and terrified children.” 

He noted that in Ireland, one in three women - 35% - have experienced abuse by an intimate partner, and that as a GP, he had seen how abuse often escalated during pregnancy.

“Since 1996, 275 women have lost their lives to violence, mostly in their own homes. These are not just statistics; they represent lives stolen, families devastated and communities left heartbroken. The violence is not confined to others in the headlines. It is happening in our communities. I received figures from Roscommon Safe Link, our local support service, showing a 13% rise in new clients and a 5% rise in existing clients over the last year. This increase reflects both the scale of the problem but also a growing trust in these services,” he continued.

In 2024 Roscommon Safe Link delivered 146 outreach clinics across Boyle, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen. The service also supported 37 new children and responded to over 9,300 contacts, including more than 800 crisis calls.

“In rural counties, these clinics can mean the difference between someone seeking help or remaining trapped in silent terror,” he added.

“Abuse affects people of all genders. There has been a rise in male clients attending as well. While these are a minority, our response must reflect that reality also. Yet, despite this vital work, County Roscommon still has no dedicated refuge. Survivors fleeing abuse are forced to leave their home county to find safety. This is unacceptable. The groundwork for a safe house and refuge has been laid with Cuan and it is essential this project moves forward without delay. I will advocate for its delivery.” He said that if Ireland was serious about ending domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, educating young people from an early age about respect, consent and healthy relationships was essential.

“Culture must change and men must be at the heart of it. We must also recognise that abuse is changing. Digital abuse, coercive control and online harassment are growing threats. Our laws, our support services and our education system must keep pace,” he said. 

“We must now ensure it delivers meaningful change in every community, including my own in Roscommon-Galway.”