Hundreds of victims suffer every day but Ireland is failing them

Campaigner Priscilla on fighting for change to system

WALKING into cold, damp Dolphin House family law courts on a weekday morning, the crowded reception area is crammed with buggies and prams.

I spot a tiny infant and mammy, who is bruised, and slide our card into her nervous hand.

In the waiting area are men and women, some as young as 18 years old, sitting waiting to meet with their legal representation.

Looking around, I realised Dolphin House is not fit for purpose.

Kids playing on the stairwell, abusers mouthing horrific things at the person seeking a protection order against them.

Staff are under extreme pressure, with people shouting aggressively at them.

Victims have no privacy. It's not a safe place for them, many victims trying to fill out forms on their knee.

Then having to leave and find a photocopying service.

CRYING

You hear initials being called over the intercom. The noise level is constant, with people talking over each other and innocent babies crying.

Here is just a sample of applications heard in one morning: