Diocesan News
Cork Mothers’ Union takes part in Global 16 Days Campaign against Gender–Based Violence
Some facts: One in three women experience some form of domestic abuse; 1 in 2 women murdered in Ireland is killed by a partner or ex; 60% of abuse starts before the age of 25.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender–Based Violence is an international campaign beginning on 25th November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ending on 10th December, International Human Rights Day. Working to support family life at both global and local levels, Mothers’ Union is in an ideal position to raise awareness of, and call for an end to, gender–based violence in all forms and in all societies.
Each year, new ways to extend the campaign are considered. Unable to have any services or events this year, Mothers’ Union in Cork, Cloyne and Ross has embraced new technology and used it to spread the word that violence against women and girls is never OK.
In an interview, Marie Mulholland, coordinator of the West Cork Women Against Violence Project, shared with the Mothers’ Union how difficult the past year has been for people affected by domestic and sexual violence. Working in rural West Cork, where so many of our members live, she talks about the challenges facing both the women who are trapped in difficult situations, their families and those who work to support them.
Marie has high praise for the work of An Garda Siochána through Operation Faoiseamh, describing how the project’s work was able to continue because of Garda support. She has advice for those whose friends, family or neighbours are living in abusive situations and would like to help them. When asked what Mothers’ Union members could do to help, the first thing she spoke of was the importance of how we raise our children to have respect for and value people, as well as learning to express anger in non–violent ways. She also calls on members to lobby their representatives for increased resources for all domestic and sexual violence services around the country. Listen to her interview to understand better what is happening on the ground throughout our communities.
You can listen to her interview here.
In addition to sharing Marie’s interview via the Facebook page, all members and clergy in Cork have received a copy of the new All Ireland MU 16 Days Prayer Diary. It is part of Mothers’ Union response to the evil of violence and abuse in its many forms.
Access it here along with other information and resources
In an emergency, always call 999 or 112 straight away in any part of the island of Ireland.
If you have been affected by this article, please contact one of the following numbers for help in the Republic:
National Domestic Violence 24–hour helpline – 1800 341 900
www.womensaid.ie
National Sexual Violence 24–hour helpline – 1800 788 888
www.safeireland.ie
West Cork Women Against Violence Project – 1800 203 136
(Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)
For assistance in Northern Ireland, call 999 the 24–hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414 or visit this advice page provided by the PSNI:
Domestic Abuse – Who Can Help Me?
Diocesan Media & Information Technology Officer
087 7055 989
Ms Denise Stobart
media@corkchurchofireland.com