The repeated granting of bail to people accused of violence against women risks endangering victims and the wider public, the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality has warned.

In a statement, the NCPE expressed concern that insufficient weight may be given to the potential harm posed to alleged victims, their families and other vulnerable people when defendants with a reported pattern of violent behaviour are released on bail.

The commission referred to a recent case involving a man facing several court proceedings over alleged violence against women, including the attempted murder of two girls.

It said the man had been repeatedly granted bail despite also facing separate proceedings for allegedly breaching previous bail conditions.

The NCPE said the case was not an isolated one, claiming that individuals accused of repeated violent behaviour were being released without sufficient consideration of the risks they could pose.

While acknowledging the principle that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the commission said courts must also consider the rights of alleged victims and others to life, safety and well-being.

The NCPE said the problem was partly worsened by lengthy court proceedings, which could leave defendants facing several ongoing cases without any final judgment being delivered.

It acknowledged government efforts to appoint more judges and magistrates in recent years but called for further resources to speed up proceedings.

Cases in which an alleged victim may face an imminent risk of harm should be prioritised, the commission said.

It also called for electronic tagging to be introduced at an early stage of proceedings in appropriate cases.

The NCPE said effective prosecution, adequate protection for victims and the timely delivery of justice were essential in responding to violence against women.

However, it added that court measures alone would not eradicate gender-based violence, which it described as being deeply rooted in patriarchal social structures and culture.

The commission said such measures were nevertheless crucial to protect victims, provide them with relief and send a clear message that violence against women had no place in society.