Child’s bravery commended by Kildare judge during alleged domestic violence case

The actions of a young child received praise from a Naas District Court judge.

Judge Desmond Zaidan commended the bravery of the girl during an in-camera (in private) court session held on Thursday, November 16 last.

A woman, who is the mother of the child, appeared before Judge Zaidan seeking an interim protection order against her ex-husband.

The court was told that her ex-husband is in custody at present.

She claimed that the man attempted to strangle her, and their child came to her aid.

The woman added that although the man briefly stopped strangling her, he then turned his attention to their child, and proceeded to assault them.

She also alleged previous incidents in which he punched her unconscious and made threats of suicide.

Referring back to the first incident, she said that her child called the gardaí on her father in order to assist her mother.

Commenting on the child's actions, the judge said: "That’s a credit to your child.

"Nobody wants a child to witness it (alleged abuse), but in this case, it was a blessing in disguise."

The woman agreed with him, and became emotional as she said that she thought she 'was going to die' during this incident.

Judge Zaidan agreed to grant the woman an interim protection order until the case resumes on a date in February of 2024 for hearing.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Women's Aid at 1800 341 900 or emailing helpline@womensaid.ie, or Men's Aid by ringing 01 554 3811 or emailing hello@mensaid.ie.

Additionally, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie, or by ringing 116 123.

For resources relating to young people who are concerned about domestic abuse, please visit Barnardos.ie.