The recession has trapped women and children into domestic violence by reducing their options to escape abuse. Women’s Aid today described it as: “one of the greatest scandals of modern day Ireland”.
Amid ongoing speculation of child benefit cuts the upcoming budget is a source of deep concern for Women’s Aid. Its impact on Women’s Aid vital services will affect and the ability of the sector to continue to help women and children experiencing domestic violence.
“For many women who call Women’s Aid, protecting their children is a constant worry. The recession has greatly reduced options for women experiencing domestic violence”, said Women’s Aid director, Mary Martin.
She added “with many reporting that they have become more trapped in the violent relationship. It is heartbreaking to listen to women who, with their children, are living in a state of fear”.
She added “with many reporting that they have become more trapped in the violent relationship. It is heartbreaking to listen to women who, with their children, are living in a state of fear”.
The government are being called upon to acknowledge the link between child abuse and domestic violence and make changes in new child protection structures and reviews of Family Law and domestic violence legislation.
“The Government needs to apply the best practice principle of protecting the child through the protection and support of the non-abusive parent. This principle needs to be acknowledged and reflected in any new child protection structures and in any review of Family Law and domestic violence legislation,” Said Ms Martin.
This new scandal for Ireland was addressed today at the launch of the 16 Days of Action, a global campaign that highlights gender violence. Just some of the experiences of abuse by women and children who call on Women’s Aid for help were described at the launch.
“I don’t know where this will all end. I can’t believe that even after all I’ve been through to stop him abusing me and the children that I still have to meet him every week, listen to him shouting at the children and telling me that he might not bring them back this time,” said Elizabeth, a caller to Women’s Aid.
She added “One weekend he didn’t let the kids call me all weekend and at 8 on Sunday there was still no sign of him. I tried calling him and there was no answer from his mobile or from the house. My heart was pounding when at 9 I called the Gardaí, they couldn’t find him at the house and eventually at 11 he arrived back with them. The children were all crying.”
It is the only free, national, domestic violence helpline with specialised trained staff and a Language line facility for callers needing interpreting services.
Women’s Aid National Free phone Helpline (1800 341 900)
www.womensaid.ie
Women’s Aid, Everton House, 47 Old Cabra Road, Dublin 7.
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