New unit to target abuse

A NEW Northside Garda unit has been established to target sexual crime, human trafficking, child abuse and domestic abuse.

The Cabra based unit is one of four new divisional protective service units (DPSUs) that has been set up as part of An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal programme.

The units are the first to be established as part of a phased nationwide roll-out of DPSUs in all Garda divisions, with a second phase due to be introduced next year.

As well as investigating specialised crime types, DPSUs will focus on the provision of support for vulnerable victims of crime, and will work with the Child and Family Agency to safeguard children. There will be up to 15 personnel attached to the Cabra DPSU including an inspector, two detective sergeants, 10 detective gardai and two administrative staff.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey, said the project will impact positively on Garda members and the public.

“It’s a significant step forward in the provision of protective services for vulnerable people in Ireland,” he said.

“It means that people who are victims of a range of crimes, including sexual, domestic or child abuse, prostitution and human trafficking, can expect a more professional and consistent service from the gardaí.

“Equally, our response to the investigation of missing persons, children who are missing in care and sex offenders will be enhanced by the establishment of DPSUs.” 

“It will also provide us with an opportunity to place vulnerable victims of crime at the centre of the Garda service, which is in line with our stated ethos of providing a more victim-centred, empathetic and meaningful service to the people who need it most.”

Meanwhile, another new victim-centred programme aimed at tackling domestic abuse in the community has been launched by gardaí in Ballymun and Santry.

Superintendent Finbarr Murphy said the Domestic Abuse Coordination Team (DACT) was trained to treat victims with empathy.

“We want people to come forward and report domestic abuse to us,” he said. “We now have people trained in Ballymun and Santry to listen to what they’re saying, who understand the difficulties and we realise it’s not always easy to come forward when you’re in a relationship that is abusive.”

The new DACT will also be able to put victims in touch with services that may help their situation and offer protection from abusers.

Ballymun councillor Noeleen Reilly (SF) welcomed the launch of the new domestic abuse team.

“This initiative by the gardaí is really important as we know domestic violence is still a huge problem in our communities,” she said.

“Many victims suffer in silence as they feel there is no support for them and they fear for their lives.”