Policing the problem? Irish domestic violence policy and the role of the police, 1994-2018

Fitzgibbon, Gerard

Policing the problem? Irish domestic violence policy and the role of the police, 1994-2018

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Date

2022-02-01

Authors

Fitzgibbon, Gerard

Publisher

University College Cork

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis will be to examine the development of domestic violence policy in Ireland from 1994 to 2018, with a specific focus on the role of the national police service, An Garda Síochána. This examination will track the emergence of domestic violence as a societal issue in Ireland from the mid-1990s, and will consider how and why a policy framework developed in response, using theory and an analytical lens. The role of non-governmental organisations in framing the issue will be analysed, with focus on their views on the nature and penetration of preferred criminal justice responses, specifically policing. The gradual centralisation of domestic violence policy co-ordination will also be considered, with a focus on how this too sought to influence policing responses. Having considered the growth of an overarching policy framework, this thesis will then examine if and how An Garda Síochána adapted its policies and internal culture towards domestic violence policing. This question will centre on how Irish police policy on domestic violence compared to international and academic best practice, how successful An Garda Síochána was in implementing it, and what lessons can be gleaned regarding police culture.

Keywords

Policing , Domestic violence , Criminal justice

Citation

Fitzgibbon, G. 2021. Policing the problem? Irish domestic violence policy and the role of the police, 1994-2018. MRes Thesis, University College Cork.