New laws to combat domestic violence will be discussed at cabinet today.

Under the proposals, victims living with their attacker will be able to get barring orders lasting for up to eight days.

In addition, if a case goes to court, a range of supports would be put in place for victims.

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald is bringing the proposed Domestic Violence Bill to the ministers’ meeting this morning.

The bill also introduces a new criminal offence of forced marriage. It will also repeal exemptions which allow people under the age to 18 to marry.

Among the bill’s other provisions are one to allow a court making a safety order or barring order, to ban a perpetrator of domestic violence from communicating with the victim electronically and restrictions on who can be in a courtroom during proceedings involving domestic violence.

Update 11.30am: Catriona Lane from Safe Ireland highlighted court proceedings when a barring order has been breached as an example of one area that needs to be changed.

“We’ve been asking that the standard applied in rape cases and sexual violence cases is applied in breach proceedings.”

Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900

Amen Helpline: 046 9023 718 (provides support and practical assistance to male victims of domestic abuse in Ireland)