Four new Garda units that will deal specifically with sexual and domestic abuse are up and running from today.

The Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSUs) are based in Cabra and Clondalkin in Dublin, as well as in Dundalk and at Anglesea Street in Cork. They're the first of a number of these units to be established - they're set to be rolled out in the other 25 Garda divisions across the country from next year. “It means that people who are victims of a range of crimes, including sexual, domestic or child abuse, prostitution and human trafficking can expect a more professional and consistent service from the Gardaí," said Deputy Commissioner of Policing and Security, John Twomey. “It will also provide us with an opportunity to place vulnerable victims of crime at the centre of the Garda service. "Equally our response to the investigation of missing persons, children who are missing in care, and sex offenders will be enhanced by the establishment of DPSUs." Areas that the new units will work in include sexual crime, prostitution, child protection, human trafficking, missing persons, sex offender management and support for victims of crime.