Paula Connolly from COSC writes:
Cosc is an executive office of the Department of Justice and Law Reform and is the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence with the key responsibility to ensure the delivery of a well coordinated “whole of Government” response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The role of Cosc covers co-ordination across the justice, health, housing, education, family support and community sector. This cross-government role includes close interaction with non-governmental organisations which are supported by Government funds.
The primary and immediate function of Cosc is to lead and co-ordinate the implementation of the first National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
The National Strategy, represents a clear statement of the Government’s priority actions to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland in the five-year period from early 2010 to the end of 2014. The strategy aims to provide a clear vision for coordinated and effective government action on domestic and sexual violence across all the departments and agencies concerned. Successful implementation of the strategy will result in fewer victims of domestic and sexual violence, better services for those who are victims and increased accountability by perpetrators. The strategy places a high value on evaluation and evidence-based policy planning. This is critical to ensure effective interventions and best public value.
The National Strategy vision is that:
By the end of 2014 in Ireland, there will be:
· Clearer societal acknowledgment of the unacceptability of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence
· Greater recognition and a broader understanding of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence
· Greater confidence in high-quality and consistent services
· Increased safety for victims
· Increased accountability of the perpetrator
· Structured and improved planning and monitoring to ensure continued effectiveness.
Through the development of this framework and the commitment of government departments and State bodies, working in partnership with all relevant services, this strategy will deliver a strong foundation for an improved system of prevention and response – Safer lives at home and in our community.
Link to Cosc website: www.cosc.ie
Link to the Strategy on the website :
http://www.cosc.ie/en/COSC/Final%20Electronic%20NS%20full%20doc%203%20March.pdf/Files/Final%20Electronic%20NS%20full%20doc%203%20March.pdf
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