Domestic Violence Protection
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Irish National Law
What is this right?
The Domestic Violence Act 2018 provides civil protection orders for people experiencing domestic violence. The main orders are:
- Safety Order: Prohibits the respondent from committing further violence or threats. Does not require them to leave the home. Lasts up to 5 years.
- Barring Order: Requires the respondent to leave the home and stay away. Lasts up to 3 years.
- Protection Order: An interim measure that gives immediate protection while your application for a Safety or Barring Order is being processed.
- Interim Barring Order: An emergency order requiring the respondent to leave immediately — can be granted ex parte (without the other party being present).
The 2018 Act also criminalised coercive control — a pattern of behaviour that is controlling, intimidating, or threatening.
When does it apply?
- You are experiencing violence, threats, or coercive control from a spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, or intimate partner.
- A parent can apply on behalf of a child.
- Since the 2018 Act, people in intimate relationships who do not live together can also apply for a Safety Order.
- The Act also extended protections to same-sex couples and cohabitants.
- Breach of a Safety, Barring, Protection, or Interim Barring Order is a criminal offence — the Gardaí can arrest without warrant.
What should you do?
- If you are in immediate danger, call the Gardaí on 999 or 112.
- Apply for a Protection Order or Interim Barring Order at your local District Court — you can apply without a solicitor, and Legal Aid is available.
- Contact Women's Aid (1800 341 900 — 24-hour helpline) or Men's Aid (01 554 3811) for support and advice.
- Contact a local domestic violence service or refuge — Safe Ireland coordinates services nationally.
- The court hearing for a full Safety or Barring Order is in private — it is not open to the public.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't stay silent — domestic violence tends to escalate. Seeking help early is important for safety.
- Don't assume you won't be believed — the courts take domestic violence very seriously, and you do not need physical injuries to get a protection order.
- Don't breach a court order yourself — if the respondent contacts you and you have an order, report the breach to the Gardaí.
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