One of Cosc’s primary tasks has been the development of a National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based violence. The Strategy was approved by the Government on 9th February 2010 and Cosc will now focus on ensuring its implementation. The strategy sets out the general vision and objectives and actions to tackle these crimes. The overall aim of this work is to reduce the prevalence of the crimes and to ensure that the system of prevention and response functions effectively in a co-ordinated manner increasing the understanding of the general public and professional services, supporting victims and ensuring the accountability of offenders.

The actions required to tackle domestic and sexual violence primarily cut across the justice sector, the health sector, the education sector, the housing sector and the non-governmental sector. Progress must be made in the context of a common vision to ensure that those affected receive the benefit of a holistic service.

There are many issues to be tackled to achieve the vision, as well as many options regarding the content of the strategy. Cosc’s approach is to encourage policy and service development based on solid evidence and evaluated results to ensure best public value and best outcomes for all effected by domestic and sexual violence. It is important that the critical issues surrounding domestic and sexual violence are well understood, that there is an appreciation of the complex environment of prevention and response activity and that interventive actions are practical, protective of the victim and suitable for the Irish context.