New victim focused approach welcomed
‘WE are here because we care about victims. We care about human beings,’ Louth’s top garda Chief Supt. Mangan told the launch of the new Divisional Protective Services Unit in Castlebellingham.
He said it was hoped that this new policing approach would encourage victims to come forward.
Also attending the launch was Det. Supt. Declan Donnelly, head of the National Protective Services unit at Harcourt Street in Dublin.
He said that the concept of the DPSU is that it would bring specially trained gardai into contact with ‘ the most vulnerable in society.’ ‘Victims deserve and expect a professional level of service,’ said Det. Supt Donnelly.
He added that the year long advanced garda training includes ‘for the first time ever a victims perspective of the crime, which is really very important.’
Many of the local services which are working closely with the DPSU were also in attendance at the launch, including Dundalk Women’s Aid and the Rape Crisis North East (RCNE)
Speaking to the Argus, Women’s Aid Ann Clarkin said that the launch of the new unit was ‘wholly welcomed.’ ‘We need well informed, well trained Gardaí as we need victims to be confident that if they work up the courage to report, their cases they will be investigated in a consistent and empathetic manner,’ said Ann
She added that she particularly welcomed the specialist training provided to Gardaí in the DPSUs ‘which will improve the experience of survivors of child sexual abuse in engaging with the Gardai, and hopefully will encourage more people to come forward.’
‘It is only the victim who can tell you their reality, so I was very encouraged to heard that garda training includes hearing a case from the victim’s perspective.’
Manager of Rape Crisis North East, Grace McArdle also welcomed the establishment of the new Garda Protection Services Unit. ‘ The New Garda Protection Unit has been a long time coming and it will be reasuring to survivors to know that there are now dedicated, and experienced Garda specially trained in the area of rape and sexual Violence in terms of disclosures and taking of statements along with follow up support from the garda with the client once a statement has been taken. Survivors can now report in an environment where I would expect that they feel listened to and feel safe. This is certainly a significant step forward by An Garda Siochana to provide a much needed protective Service Unit for vulnerable people and their families. We know how difficult it is for survivors to report. It takes a huge amount of courage for survivors to report the crime and it is reassuring to know that their cases will be investigated to a professional standard.’