‘It takes a lot of courage’: Judge praises Kildare mother for coming forward for protection order

A mother's courage was praised by a Naas District Court judge on Thursday, February 22 last.

The woman appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan as part of a protection order application.

She alleged that her adult daughter has been physically abusive towards her on various occasions, and that her daughter struggles with alcoholism.

The woman also said that her daughter's heavy drinking is affecting their family.

However, the woman added that her daughter 'is a lovely person' whenever she is sober.

In addition, the woman said that she had previously asked the daughter to leave the family home, but she has refused to do so.

After consideration, Judge Zaidan agreed to grant an interim protection order for the woman, and adjourned the case to a date in September for hearing.

The judge also expressed one concern he had to the woman: "She will receive the order, but you are living together, and when she gets it, she might react (badly).

"Do you want me to get the gardaí to serve the order on your daughter?"

"Yes," the woman replied.

The judge praised the woman for taking action: "It takes a lot of courage to come in here (and apply for a protection order)."

He also recommended for her to show her nearest garda station a copy of her order.

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.