Interview: Women's Aid breaks the silence

Margaret Martin, Director, Women's Aid joins staff and volunteers at the beginning of the 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women outside Dáil Éireann to remember the women mudered in Ireland since 1996.

SpunOut.ie chats with Women’s Aid about the 16 Days Campaign and domestic violence.

SpunOut.ie: What is the meaning and significance behind the 16 Days Campaign slogan 'Breaking the Silence?'

Women’s Aid: Domestic violence is often clouded by silence, secrecy and shame. Women who call our National Freephone Helpline can be too ashamed or isolated by the abuse to reach out to a friend or family member.

This silence is often reflected in society’s attitudes to the abuse. Even though one in five women in Ireland who have been in a relationship have experienced domestic violence, it is not recognised as a common occurrence or talked about openly in society. Domestic violence can be wrongly seen as a private matter, best dealt with behind closed doors. But we all have a responsibility to say that violence against women will not be tolerated.

The 16 Days campaign gives us all an opportunity to make our voices be heard and show that violence against women will not be tolerated.

SpunOut.ie: What should young people in Ireland know about domestic violence?

Women’s Aid: Domestic violence can affect every woman regardless of age, marital status, class or cultural background.

Statistics show that younger women are at risk.

A lot of younger women think that domestic violence is something that only happens to older women or within the context of marriage. We get young women calling the Helpline who say that they are not even sure they should be calling but that something just doesn’t feel right. Dating violence is something that can just sneak up on you. Some women will call us about something that happened the night before that’s been playing on their mind. But, once they start talking they’ll see a pattern that’s been there all along. Most girls have friends they can turn to, but sometimes it is hard to confide about something as difficult and painful as dating violence. 

SpunOut.ie: How can people take action to make a difference in the unacceptable reality of abuse?

Women’s Aid: One basic thing you can do is to take the time to understand the nature and prevalence of domestic violence in Ireland.

Sign up for our 16 Facts for 16 Days email campaign. You can join in dialogues like the one on SpunOut.ie to contribute to open communication about what constitutes a healthy relationship, and what kinds of behaviour no one should ever have to tolerate.

In case you or someone you know ever need it in future, add the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline, 1800 341 900, to your mobile’s list of contacts.

To lend your own energy and support to women experiencing domestic violence, join the Women’s Aid Facebook Fan Page to get involved in our work.

Finally, let the government know that tackling domestic violence is a priority by contacting your TD to demand that support services for women are cut no further in Budget 2010.

SpunOut.ie: What is the best course of action to take if you or someone you know is experiencing some form of domestic violence?

Women’s Aid: Women’s Aid is careful to give non-directive support and recognises that every woman is an expert in her own situation. In an abusive situation, safety is the number one priority. The Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline, 1800 341 900, can consult with you about safety planning to manage your situation and to provide contact details of other services you may need, like legal advice or refuge.

If someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are some basic steps that you can take to give her support.

SpunOut.ie: How does domestic violence affect everyone in society, not simply women struggling with it first hand?

Women’s Aid: The statistics tell us that we are likely to know someone who has experienced domestic violence. Even regardless of this, everyone living in a society where violence replaces love within our most intimate relationships is adversely affected.

Perhaps most tragically, children can often find themselves first-hand observers of domestic violence. This has an immense emotional and developmental effect, and is itself considered a form of child-abuse.

Exploring the economic costs of domestic violence stresses the very public nature of domestic violence. The estimated annual cost of domestic violence to the Irish economy is €2.2 billion. 

Where violence against women is prevalent, all women are forced to be vigilant in self-protection and to live with some fear or expectation of victimisation. Ultimately, this comprises a violation of women’s’ human rights.

For more info on the 16 Days Campaign click here.

Image