Kildare judge grants interim protection orders to three separate women claiming abuse

A Naas District Court judge granted interim protection orders to three separate women who were claiming abuse.

The women appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan during in-camera (in private) court sessions.

For the first case, a woman was seeking an interim protection order against her ex-husband.

It was heard that they have a child together.

She described him as being 'very controlling and abusive.'

"I have to act in a certain manner [around him]", she said: "He has anger management issues."

She went on to say that she left him, but she is concerned that he will find out where she is currently living.

The woman also said: "He has 'his rules'."

When the judge asked her to explain what this meant, she replied: "For example, I'm not allowed to make too much noise, or I have to clean up things a certain way for him."

Judge Zaidan granted her the order and adjourned the case to a later date for hearing.

For the second case, a woman, who was accompanied by a member of a domestic violence support service, was applying for an interim protection order against her husband.

According to the woman, her husband 'is demanding and dominating.'

The woman claimed that he puts both her and their children in fear, as he is allegedly both physically and mentally abusive. 

"How often does he hit you?" the judge asked the woman.

"Once in a while," she replied.

"That's one too many," he told her: "No one should have to put up with that."

The woman added that the man allegedly committed 'pushing and shoving' acts, but claimed that he had physically abused her in a worse manner in the past.

The judge granted her the order and adjourned the case to a later date for hearing.

For the third and final case, a woman was seeking an interim protection order against her husband.

A representative of a domestic violence support service was also present with her.

She told the judge that her husband had allegedly grabbed her by the throat.

The woman explained that he allegedly took her car keys from her and locked her into a small room with him.

Her husband then allegedly proceeded to grab her by the neck, choke her, verbally abused her, and shoved her against a door.

"He has been abusive for some time now," she added.

Showing the woman her written statement, the judge asked her: "This is all accurate?"

"Yes," she replied.

The judge decided to grant her an interim protection order until the case resumes at a later date 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.