Posts in the "6Th%20December" category
Day 12: the global pandemic has further reduced refuge capacity
Posted on December 06, 2020
The number of domestic violence refuge’s in Ireland is inadequate and although Ireland has ratified the Istanbul Convention, the number of refuges we have does not meet the conventions standards which require states to provide specialist support services and refuges, in sufficient numbers and in an adequate geographical distribution (Articles 22 and 23).
The number of refuge spaces required is 1 family space per 10,000 people living in the country. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Ireland only had one third of the required refuge space. Moreover, refuges are not available in every county. In 2018, refuges were unable to accommodate 3,256 requests from women. More recent data from the Women’s Aid Helpline confirms this worrying trend.
Permanent link | Categories: 16 Facts for 16 Days • Day 12 • 6th December • 2020
"I chose this butterfly, which I now call my freedom butterfly. You see, butterflies are things of beauty and fly without being trapped." - Bernie
Posted on December 06, 2017
"He wanted me to get a tattoo. I got one and he got angry because it wasn't big enough. I found out that there was another woman who had a tattoo and he wanted me to be like her. There was a problem, she was petite and like a doll. Her style was very different from mine. I love my casual wear but he tried so hard to direct me towards heels and jeans with glitter and slinky tops . I began to hate going out, because what I wore became an issue and unknown to me, I was competing with a doll. The abuse was verbal, emotional and physical. I was told I was big, and the punches came when he wasn't pleased with how I looked. Here I was in my 40s getting another tattoo. He was adamant that this one had to be big. For me, it is big because the pain was bad. But he still wasn't happy because it couldn't be seen but I wanted it to be discreet.
Permanent link | Categories: Women's Voices 2017 • Day 12 • 6th December 2017
Guest Blog: Out of Silence – the impact of domestic violence on women’s mental health by Orla O'Connor
Posted on December 06, 2017
Women experiencing domestic violence often describe the mental torture caused by their abuser.
Abusive relationships have a significant negative impact to a woman’s mental health. When a woman is continually being abused by an intimate partner and put down, her autonomy and belief in herself is continually eroded. Her abuser may use her mental pain against her, accusing her of being ‘insecure’, of being ‘paranoid’, of being ‘crazy’. The cycle of abuse, physical, emotional and sexual is inherently damaging to a woman's mental health.
Permanent link | Categories: Guest Blog • Day 12 • 6th December 2017
Day 12: Domestic abuse impacts on women's mental and physical health
Posted on December 06, 2017
Women and children experiencing domestic violence should never been portrayed as passive victims. Women’s Aid continues to be inspired by the women who use our services. Women, who are trying to live their lives, raise their children, study, work, and look after themselves and others, but who are doing so while suffering the most horrific abuse.
Women’s strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable abuse and fear, should not be underestimated. Yet, the impact of the abuse on the women we meet, cannot be minimised or downplayed.
Permanent link | Categories: 16 Facts for 16 Days • 6th December 2017 • Day 12
Day 12: The Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline answers 41 calls a day
Posted on December 06, 2016
"I do not think I would have got through the past two years without the support from Women’s Aid and I know I it will get me through the difficult times still ahead.” - Louise
The Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 is a service for women experiencing emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse by a current or former husband, partner or boyfriend. We are also available for family, friends and professionals concerned about women living with domestic violence.
Our Helpline staff and volunteers answer, on average, 41 calls per day.
Permanent link | Categories: Day 12 • 16 Days • 6th December 2016 • 16 Facts for 16 Days
Day Twelve: 17,254 calls answered by the National Freephone Helpine
Posted on December 06, 2014
In 2013, the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline answered 17,254 calls from women, family, friends, and professionals seeking support for experiences of domestic abuse. During these calls, 17,855 disclosures of abuse were made.
"I do not think I would have got through the past two years without the support from Women’s Aid and I know I it will get me through the difficult times still ahead.” - Louise
The Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline is a service for women experiencing emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse by a current or former husband, partner or boyfriend. We are also available for family, friends and professionals concerned about women living with domestic violence.
Permanent link | Categories: Day Twelve • 6th December 2014 • 16 Facts for 16 Days