Barring orders against abusive partners are still “very hard to get”, a domestic violence volunteer has warned. 

A barring order is when a person is banned from entering a property after being accused of domestic violence. They are also not allowed to communicate with their alleged victim. 

Earlier in the week, Lunchtime Live interviewed Donna, a woman who had struggled to obtain a barring order. 

 Today on the programme, domestic violence volunteer Emma Jane said that Donna’s experience is far from unique. 

She explained that obtaining one is “not an easy process”, adding the perpetrators go to immense efforts to get around them. 

“Even with a barring order in place, what we find is that we still have to do risk assessments with women due to access,” she said. 

“So intimidation, stalking, technology facilitated abuse still happens even after a barring order, a safety order or protection. 

“During access, a perpetrator might give a child a toy and there's a tracking device in that. 

“So, when she leaves, it doesn't end.” 

'They also don't know what to put down'

Also on the programme, Mary Louise, the founder of SiSi, an organisation which supports women who are survivors of intimate partner abuse, explained that many victims lack the knowledge to apply for a barring order. 

“Somebody might not know what they actually can apply for unless they have good advice, sound advice and support to do that,” she explained. 

“I know Women's Aid have their court accompaniment service in Dolphin House.

“But for so many women around Ireland, they really don't know what they're entitled to. 

“And while the court service is extremely helpful, most people don't have legal representation at that point of crisis. 

“They also don't know what to put down on the information sheet and how much of their history to put down there.” 

Mary Louise continued that even once a barring order is obtained, the legal process continues. 

“They will be offered either the opportunity to apply for an interim barring order, which lasts for eight days, or a protection order, which should last up to three months,” she said. 

“And then after three months, there should be a hearing for a safety order - and a safety order can then be granted for any time from then up to five years.”

Anyone impacted by domestic violence can call Women's Aid for support on 1800 341 900.

Main image: A posed photo of domestic violence. Picture by: Alamy.com.