Irish woman’s account of domestic violence goes viral

A Dublin mother whose allegations of domestic abuse, set out in an online video, have gone viral has made a formal statement of complaint to gardaí.

The Irish Times understands gardaí in Santry, north Dublin, have taken a statement of complaint from the woman and a formal criminal investigation has begun.

A medical report detailing the alleged victim’s injuries will also be compiled and the suspect in the case will be contacted and interviewed by gardaí.

The statements and medical report will then form part of a criminal investigation file to be sent to the DPP for direction of whether a crime has taken place and, if so, if sufficient evidence is available to ground a prosecution.

The woman, who identifies herself as a mother of two, appears to be suffering from a black eye in the five-minute video that she apparently recorded herself and which has been posted on her Facebook page.

The Garda investigation is centred on how she sustained that injury.

The footage, which has been viewed more than three million times, was recorded as she sat at the bottom of a staircase.

During her tearful statement looking into her camera phone, she alleges a litany of domestic abuse from a man she says is now her former partner.

She said she had debated in her own mind whether she would post the video.

If you have suffered domestic violence and would like to talk to someone, you can contact The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 77 88 88 or Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900.