‘Poison’ of domestic violence highlighted

THE Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Sarah Holland (SF) joined elected members of South Dublin County Council and representatives from Saoirse Women’s Refuge Tallaght at the release of a number of orange balloons to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women last week.

The orange balloons, the colour as designated by the United Nations UNiTE campaign, symbolises a brighter future without violence against women.

Upon her election as Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Holland outlined the promotion of the role and needs of women as one of her main priorities.

She also pledged to raise awareness of and address the issue of domestic violence.

“In my role as mayor I stated that I wanted to use my time in office to promote equality, inclusion and unity,” Cllr Holland said. “ I further pledged to raise awareness of this issue and to make sure that those on our front lines are capable of offering advice, support and a safe place to stay for the women that come to us in need. As part of the Annual Budget 2016, the elected members have also agreed to set aside funds as a capital provision towards the provision of a women’s refuge.

“Domestic violence is a poison that touches every part of society. “We need to shine a light on this and eliminate violence against women.”

Cllr Holland added: “Women’s refuges across the country are under sustained pressure following years of funding cuts.  Saoirse had to turn away over 80 per cent of the women who came to them for help last year, and Cuan Alainn are closing as the Government won’t intervene with funding to keep it open.

“If we are serious about women’s rights, this is an area which needs immediate attention.”

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaig which runs until Human Rights Day on December 10.

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women invites individuals to ‘Orange the world: End violence against women and girls’.