A LOCAL woman is spearheading a new group dedicated to campaigning for a register of domestic abuse offenders and providing support to victims.
Rita Harling, who believes there are
“glaring gaps
? with existing support services and in current legislation, co-founded the Do or Die Foundation last February.
Rita, from Finglas, began campaigning for a register for domestic violence offenders two years ago after being overwhelmed with pleas for help following the publication of her book which detailed a life of abuse with former partner, Brian Kenny.
The book,
‘Do or Die – How I Escaped Life With a Murderer’, tells the terrifying story of her savage beatings at the hands of drug dealer Kenny. He’s now serving a life sentence for the murder Jonathan O’Reilly who was shot dead outside Cloverhill Prison in a drive-by shooting.
In her book Rita told how Kenny initially swept her off her feet before developing a violent personality that resulted in several brutal attacks, including one in which a metal brush was broken against her back.
“I was in all the papers and on
‘The Late Late Show’ and I started getting messages through Facebook and social media from people who were in trouble from domestic violence looking for advice, so it stemmed from that,
? Rita told Northside People.
Initially Rita was focussed on campaigning for a domestic violence offenders’ register. But after teaming up with another woman in January of this year, the pair decided to set up a foundation with a wider purpose.
“We felt that there needed to be more accessibility to support services to facilitate the overwhelming volume of women and men who are suffering in silence through abuse,
? Rita explained.
The foundation is now working on campaigning for changes in the way barring orders and court orders are issued. It also wants victims to receive better notification of release dates and for domestic violence calls to be
“treated more seriously
? by gardai.
Do or Die is also providing basic victim services such as one-to-one support, court accompaniment, legal advice, counselling and emergency clothing.
Rita’s children are also involved in the foundation, providing support for other youngsters caught up in domestic violence and helping out with fundraising activities.
The foundation is also concerned about Garda station closures around the country, which it feels could leave victims at risk.
“What happens to a person when they want to pick up a phone after being beaten black and blue and the Garda station is closed?
? asked Rita.
“Who goes to help them then? This is where the register comes in. It would offer some protection.
“When a relationship ends through domestic violence, the offender can just move on to the next victim. The register would allow anybody to report domestic abuse for others to see it.
“It would be great to have some sort of system where you can just type in a name and if there was any violent history there you could see it. They have this in several states in America but it’s never been done here.
?
The foundation has the backing of Dublin North TD Clare Daly who met the group in the Dáil last month.
“The women from the Do or Die group are a great bunch of people who have been through some difficult times and it is great to see them harnessing their experiences to do something positive for others,
? Deputy Daly said.
“I have organised for them to give a briefing in Leinster House to explain their aims to other TDs and hopefully others will come on board to give them some support.
?
The foundation has now set up offices on the Northside and is in the process of developing a new website. The group is busy fundraising and says it is ready to help anybody trapped in a violent relationship in any way possible.
“We have emergency clothing and emergency bags for victims and are prepared to meet people,
? Rita said.
“Hotels have offered rooms that can be used as a refuge in an emergency and we are hoping to secure council backing for accommodation.
?
?¢ Do or Die Foundation can be contacted on the following numbers. Call Rita on 085-1644684 for help and information. Call 085-1634050 for donations and help for teens. Email doordierita@gmail.com