Femicide

Femicide is the act of intentionally killing a female person, motivated solely by their gender. Femicide most often occurs in intimate or family relationships and a misogynist culture. It violates basic human rights, namely the right to life, liberty and personal security. We ultimately believe if the changes listed are enacted, there will be a significant reduction in gender-based deaths.

The issues we specifically wish to be addressed on this topic include:

1.  We call upon the Oireachtas to commit to passing the following legislation: 

• That they pass the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill of 2020 to enforce criminal justice against those who commit offences based on an individual’s gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin (including recognition of the Traveller ethnicity), and disability.
• To pass the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) (Stalking) Bill 2021 as recommended by the Law Reform Commission, to recognise Stalking as a separate crime to harassment. Stalking is a pattern of fixated, obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent and intrusive. Victims deserve to be better protected from their stalkers and allow for their fears to be validated within the law.

While already expected, we demand that these bills are brought to a fully functional state by March 8th, 2023. 

2. Address Gender-Based Violence Perpetrators 

Responsibility should not fall on women to protect themselves, when instead preventative and rehabilitative measures should be taken by the State.

• We advise the State to provide a specialised harm reduction program for perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence. This would be aimed towards those actively engaging in Gender-Based Violence who can seek help in navigating and reorienting their behaviour.
• We encourage the State to engage with stakeholders of prisons to create rehabilitation programs, specific to prisoners who have committed Gender-Based Violence offences, while they are imprisoned. 

It is our State’s responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens. Releasing abusers without addressing their history of violence is a fundamental failure to all women.