Domestic violence can be physical, sexual or mental abuse. It can happen to anyone at any time. If you are being abused remember you are not alone, it’s not your fault and help is available. All the orders listed below are available to both opposite and same sex cohabitants.
To apply for an order you must go to your local District Court Office (see Courts Service below).
You can apply for a barring order if your partner is being violent towards you and if you have been living together for 6 months in total during the past 9 months. (This requirement is different for married couples). To apply for a barring order or a safety order you must go to your local District Court Office.
A barring order requires the violent person to leave the family home, unless that person owns the family home in full or has greater rights then you to the home.
A barring order can last up to 3 years and can be renewed.
You may also apply for an interim barring order where there are reasonable grounds for believing that you are at an immediate risk of significant harm and the granting of a protection order would not offer sufficient protection.
A safety order prohibits the violent person from further acts of violence or threats of violence. It does not oblige that person to leave the family home.
You can apply for a safety order no mattter how long you have been living togeher. A parent can apply for a safety order against the other parent of the child even if they have never lived together.
A safety order can last up to 5 years and can be renewed.
You can apply for a protection order while you are waiting for the court to decide on your application for either a safety or barring order.
A protection order prohibits the violent person from further acts of violence or threats of violence. It does not require the violent person to leave the home.
This is a temporary order but will have immediate effect.
If you get any of the above court orders and the violent person breaks it, then the Gardaí can arrest and charge that person.
You can get a barring order if you have been living together for 6 months in total during the past 9 months
For more specialist information on domestic violence contact:
Freephone 1800 341 900
Men’s Aid Ireland
Support service for male victims of domestic abuse.
Confidential Helpline
Email: hello@mensaid.ie
St. Anne’s Resource Centre,
Railway Street, Navan, Co.Meath
Website: www.mensaid.ie
Local Garda station
www.garda.ie
Courts Service
01 888 6000, www.courts.ie
NOTE:
Treoir 2022
While every effort has been made to ensure the information provided in this webpage is accurate, no responsibility can be accepted by Treoir for any error or omission.
