Wexford councillors to receive mandatory training on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence – ‘this is a pervasive issue in our county’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

County councillors in Wexford are to receive mandatory annual training on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV) after a motion submitted by Labour’s Vicky Barron and Fine Gael’s Bridín Murphy was passed in County Hall. The motion called for training which will “equip councillors with the knowledge and guidance necessary to respond appropriately and sensitively to constituents disclosing experiences of DSGBV, and to effectively advocate on their behalf within the limits of their role.”

It is proposed that the training be delivered annually as part of a scheduled council meeting, in the form of an interactive question and answer session facilitated “by a recognised expert in the field”.

"By adopting this motion, Wexford County Council will demonstrate leadership in promoting a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach to public service and strengthen our commitment to supporting victims of DSGBV in our communities,” the motion concluded.

Explaining why they had brought the motion to the meeting, Councillor Barron said it was to acknowledge an issue which is “pervasive in our county”.

“For instance, there are major problems in tenancy law, it discriminates directly against victims of domestic violence, and we need to find bespoke solutions on how we deal with this as councillors,” she added. “Survivors of DSGBV need to be given the dignity they deserve. All councillors should take a standalone training course which will bring in people who are experts in the area to advise us on how we can support victims, and how we can advocate for them on a local and national level.”

The motion received the full support of the council and, as a result, mandatory training on DSGBV will be introduced for all elected members.