Locals key to new domestic violence recommendations

TWO straight talking local campaigners who have spent the past 18 months lobbying for changes in domestic violence laws have had their voices heard in a new report designed to form the basis of improved legislation.

Rita Harling, from Finglas, and Priscilla Grainger, Navan Road, who founded the Do or Die Foundation in February 2013, have been key contributors to the report from the Justice, Defence and Equality Dáil committee.

The 17-page document is the end result of a public process aimed at examining domestic violence in Ireland and suggesting new measures to tackle the issue.
Over 40 groups made submissions to the committee and the Do or Die founders have received widespread praise from within the Dáil for their contributions.

Many of Rita’s and Priscilla’s suggestions – including making domestic violence a specific crime – are now included as recommendations for legislation in the report

“We are just thrilled to realise that at long last they’ve listened to two ordinary mothers,

? Priscilla told Northside People.

“Basically everything that Rita and I submitted is in the report.

“The amount of TDs who told us when we were in Dáil Eireann that our personal contributions had a huge impact was unbelievable. We’re absolutely delighted.

?

The report also recommends enhanced criminalisation of psychological abuses like stalking and domestic harassment as well as consideration for a register to catalogue details of convicted abusers.

The register could be based on Clare’s Law in the UK, which was introduced following a campaign by Michael Brown whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend.

A similar register in Ireland may give the public a

‘right to know’ if a partner has a history of violence, and it’s something the Do or Die Foundation believe could save lives.

Despite intense lobbying over the past year and a half, the foundation has managed to continue its hands-on policy of intervening in a crisis whenever possible.
Earlier this month Rita was involved in the dramatic rescue of a foreign national who found herself under immediate threat.

“I got a call from a girl in Cork at around 9.30am on Friday morning,

? Rita recalled.

“She told me she was in serious trouble and she believed she would be murdered that night if she didn’t get out.

?

Using a national network of contacts, Rita managed to get the girl and her two children transported safely from Cork to Dublin and met them close to the Phoenix Park.

“I bundled them into my car, put the kids lying down in the back in case they were being followed, got them into another car and out to Dublin Airport from where they managed to leave the country safely,

? she said.

The Do or Die Foundation’s direct approach and straight talking has won them many admirers and supporters from all around the country.

“We are saving lives, I’ve no doubt about it,

? said Rita.

“That was our aim from day one, to save lives and leave people secure.

“We’re finding that victims that we met 18 months ago have become survivors and they’re now helping other girls. But there has to be reform in the law, and the guards have to do their job.

“There are existing laws that cover domestic violence but they’re not being implemented and protection orders are not being upheld.

?

Figures released last week at the launch of the new

‘Man Up’ campaign urging men to stand against domestic violence show it’s still a huge problem in Ireland.
In 2013 over 8,000 women and 3,424 children received support from domestic violence services in Ireland and more than 46,000 calls were made to helplines.
And almost 3,500 requests for emergency accommodation could not be met because refuges were full.

Do or Die Foundation are now delivering free talks on Domestic Violence anywhere in Dublin to local community groups, organisations and schools.

For more information on the Foundation search for Do or Die Foundation on Facebook, email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 086-8697022.