A mother in her thirties obtained an interim Protection Order at Athy District Court after alleging that her ex-partner physically abused both her and their three-year-old child, including horse-whipping the child as a form of discipline. She recounted a recent incident where he tried to strangle her and assaulted her in their garden. Despite seeking help from the Gardaí at Kildare Town station, she was reportedly told to stay with him and warned that her child could be taken away if she called again, a claim that left the judge visibly shocked and struggling to comprehend the situation.

The woman, who is not married but lived with her ex-partner for three years and has two children with him, now resides separately in rental accommodation. Her ex-partner, a non-national awaiting immigration papers, is said to be working illegally. The judge acknowledged the involvement of Teach Tearmainn, a local women’s refuge supporting domestic violence victims, and adjourned the case for a full hearing scheduled for 9 June.