‘Revenge porn’ on the rise locally

UNIT Almost 140 active investigations in division

The new Garda Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes Unit (GDVSU) in Cavan and Monaghan has hit the ground running over the past 12 months.

The unit is currently dealing with almost 140 active cases, covering a range of crimes including sexual, domestic or child abuse; child pornography; prostitution and human trafficking. Some of the cases are historical in nature and a high percentage arise out of referrals reported to them by external agencies such as Tusla, the child and family agency.

Officers attached to the unit are dealing with an increasing number of reported instances of young people exchanging explicit pictures to each other on their mobile phones.The online posting of sexually explicit visual material, without the consent of the person portrayed, is termed as 'Revenge Porn', and gardaí are worried that young people neither realise the impact or consequences of sharing such images.“The messaging of such images is now significant in Cavan and Monaghan and it is also a significant crime as well,” explains unit chief, Inspector Niall McKiernan.

“These young people don't really realise the impact or consequences of sharing these images. It is shocking for me as a parent when you see how young the victims and the suspects are.”

Inspector McKiernan warned that this activity can have far reaching consequences into the future for these young people.

"New legislation has been introduced in relation to harmful communications. It can have an impact when it comes to garda vetting later on in life and the same applies to drugs – it can affect their whole life," he warned of the consequences for perpetrators.

He pointed out that a lot of young people are afforded the benefit of the Youth Diversion Scheme.

The members attached to the GDVSU, based at Virginia and Clones, have five experienced detective gardaí assigned, working alongside a detective sergeant. The unit in County Louth, meanwhile, was established in 2018, and the three counties are now part of the same division.It's hoped to assign three more gardaí to the unit in the near future to assist with the growing number of investigations.“All the investigations are victim centred and the team have the time to support the victims, engage with them and to ensure they are in a good place to make their statements, both physically and mentally,” says Insp McKiernan.In terms of domestic violence incidents, the local police chief is supported the calls by elected representatives for a dedicated refuge for Cavan and Monaghan. The nearest refuge is in Dundalk.“A woman having to go to Dundalk with her children adds to their trauma – your heart would go out to them,” said Insp McKiernan.He adds that over indulgence in drink or drugs compounds volatile family situations. “Many factors contribute to a situation of domestic abuse,” he remarked.

The inspector also expressed his frustration at the number of complaints withdrawn by victims of domestic violence before a prosecution can be obtained in court. “We have to respect their views. We can't influence people. We are there and we will reach out to them and work with them as best we can. If they decide to get back together, we have no control over that.”