Ireland 16 Days Campaign 2008

New Blog for the 2009 Campaign

2009-10-08T10:35:00.001+01:00

Thanks for stopping by.

Women's Aid have moved the 16 Days Blog to wordpress. For information on the 16 Days Campaign 2009 visit www.womensaid.ie/16dayscampaign

Congratulations on a very successful 16 Days Campaign

2008-12-15T10:04:00.001Z

With the 16 Days having come to a close, we would like to congratulate everyone for the enormous amount of effort put into events all over Ireland this year. This blog has chronicled quite a diverse set of actions by a huge number of groups, which have highlighted both the nature and prevalence of violence against women (VAW). Collectively, these actions raise awareness of the issue of VAW in our local and global societies. Combined with the daily work of participant organisations, the 16 Days has also taken steps towards ending VAW.

If you have any photos from an event you organised or participated in, please email them to comms@womensaid.ie so they can be added to the photo gallery.

Thanks to all who have taken part in the 16 Days. We wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

The 16 Days in Ireland - A Retrospective

2008-12-10T12:24:00.000Z

If you would like to find out what happened in Ireland on each day of the campaign click on any of the links below:

For a list of Women's Aid 16 Days events and activities click here.

Centre for Women's Global Leadership International Human Rights Day Statement

2008-12-10T12:17:00.000Z

CELEBRATING 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE AND THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

As the 2008 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign comes to a close, and as human rights activists celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) would like to remind the world that universal human rights cannot be realized unless women have the right to live free of violence.

Today we want to honor the group of 25 women from around the world who founded the 16 Days in 1991, as well as the hundreds of groups around the world who participated in the 16 Days Campaign this year and the countless individuals who have undertaken acts of courageous activism in defense of rights in the past twelve months.

In 2008, just as in previous years, women from all parts of the globe have defended human rights, peace and social justice on a daily basis. As Charlotte Bunch, Executive Director of CWGL noted, "Because of the content and focus of their advocacy, and sometimes simply because they are women who choose to engage in activism, women continue to be punished and abused by government officials, religious authorities, police, and often by family and community members."

It is not only activists who face a range of violations; women in both the global North and South face un-abating levels of violence, and abuses such as arbitrary imprisonment, torture, forced disappearances, death threats, violations of privacy, and verbal and physical harassment. The entire world should be chagrined that on a global level, one in three women will experience some form of violence in her lifetime. The magnitude of this abuse is inexcusable.

Eighteen years ago, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership hosted its first Women’s Global Leadership Institute on Human Rights and Violence Against Women at Rutgers University in New Jersey. At this meeting, 25 women from all regions of the world created the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, taking it back to their own countries to organize locally.

Everjoice Win of Zimbabwe, now head of the Women’s Rights Program at Action Aid International, was one of those women: "We knew we were creating an extraordinary collaborative international action. We might not have known that 16 Days would take off around the world the way it did, but we knew it was significant and unprecedented." Set to "bookend" November 25th (the International Day Against Violence Against Women) and December 10th (Human Rights Day), 16 Days encompasses Women Human Rights Defenders Day (November 29th), World AIDS Day (December 1), and the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre (December 6). Each of these days provides opportunities that link women around the world in global solidarity.

Since its inception, CWGL has coordinated this international and decentralized annual campaign, providing resources and background materials for use and adaptation by women and organizations all over the world. As Bunch notes, "We are proud that the 16 Days Campaign has taken root in 156 countries, and well over 2000 civil society groups have highlighted women’s creative and strategic anti-violence advocacy. Even governments and UN agencies have adopted this civil society campaign to promote their own anti-violence programming."

In 2008, hundreds of organizations used 16 Days to plan events and call for recognition of women’s right to live free of violence. Organizing themes this year included: ending violence against women, directing resources to gender-based violence advocacy, focusing on violence and experiences of women human rights defenders and strengthening the UN system to better address the human rights of women.

Examples of 2008 16 Days advocacy:

In India, groups used street plays and road shows to raise awareness about domestic violence in more than 500 towns and villages.

In Switzerland, unions, women’s organizations, peace organizations, and churches planned a joint calendar of over 50 events, including an exhibit of portraits of 1000 women from around the world.

In Uganda, one network worked with over 30 African organizations to engage men in dialogues about masculinity and violence.

In Fiji, one group ran a mobile women’s radio campaign that gives rural women the chance to produce media content.

In Belize, activists held a Torch Run across the country to bring attention to the intersections between HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.

In marking December 10th, International Human Rights Day, CWGL also notes the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The international Every Human Has Rights – Reclaiming the UDHR international campaign sponsored by "The Elders," a group of influential human rights activists including Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan and Ela Bhatt among others, brought together a range of prominent human rights organizations to highlight a different theme each month throughout the year.

CWGL was proud to be the lead organization of the UDHR60 campaign on women’s issues, with a focus on March, using International Women’s Day, March 8th, as an anchor

As these notable dates pass in 2008, CWGL takes the opportunity to pay tribute to the groups and individuals who challenged human rights abuses throughout the year, and of course, the many women who were victims and survivors of violence. In coming months, with allies and colleagues, we look forward to continuing to commemorate the power and leadership of women in the struggle to defend the human rights of all people.

For more information about the 16 Days Campaign and to see the online calendar of events, visit CWGL’s website. For information about the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition, visit the Defending Women Defending Rights website.

UN Statements on International Human Rights Day

2008-12-10T12:04:00.000Z

Message of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Day

December 10th marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this historic occasion, we should reaffirm the fundamental principles that its inspired group of framers articulated. In the Universal Declaration they recalled the “disregard and contempt for human rights” that led to actions which “outraged the conscience of mankind” and they heralded the “advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want,” proclaiming this as “the highest aspiration of the common people.”
On this Human Rights Day, we also celebrate the 60 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Drafted amid utter destruction and destitution following the Second World War, the Declaration reflects humanity’s aspirations for a future of prosperity, dignity and peaceful coexistence. Its adoption was a landmark. Today, the Declaration remains a core part of the UN’s very identity. The challenges we face today are as daunting as those that confronted the Declaration’s drafters.

We face a food emergency and a global financial crisis.
Humankind’s assault on the natural environment continues.
There is political repression in too many countries.

And as ever, the most vulnerable continue to be on the frontlines of hardship and abuse.
The luckiest among us, those who are spared the most negative effects of disaster, poverty or instability, cannot turn a blind eye. The cascading effects of abuse and indifference can eventually engulf the entire planet. Rights, and especially their violation, must hold the whole world in solidarity.

On this Human Rights Day, it is my hope that we will all act on our collective responsibility to uphold the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration. We can only honour the towering vision of that inspiring document when its principles are fully applied everywhere, for everyone.

Statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay

The comprehensive vision of the Universal Declaration is a beacon of hope for the future – it contemplates a world with full realization of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights without distinction, a world in which every man, woman and child lives in dignity, free from hunger in a world without violence and discrimination, with the benefits of housing, health care, education and opportunity. This vision represents a global culture of human rights, and it should be a unifying force, within and among all cultures.

The success of human rights work depends on its commitment to truth, with no tolerance for double standards or selective application. We must work for the full implementation of human rights on the ground in a way that affects and improves the lives of the men, women and children who are all entitled, regardless of their race, sex, religion, nationality, property or birth, to realization of each and every right set forth in the Universal Declaration.

Go to the UN website for more information.

16 Facts for 16 Days Email Awareness Campaign - Day 13 to 16

2008-12-10T11:28:00.004Z

As part of the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign, the '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign started on 25th November and continued until 10th December, the last day of the campaign.

We have posted Day 1 to Day 12 here. Below you will find Day 13 to Day 16, which is the final set of statistics:

Day 16 Domestic Violence and Female Homicide

Since 1996 there have been 146 women murdered in the Republic of Ireland. 92 (63%) of these women were killed in their own homes.
[Women’s Aid Female Homicide Media Watch, August 2008]

107 cases have been resolved. In the resolved cases 53 women (50%) were murdered by a partner or ex-partner. Another 40 women were killed by someone they knew (e.g. brother, son, neighbour). Thus, a total of 93 women (87%) were killed by someone known to them. In all of the resolved cases, 99% of perpetrators were male and 1% was female.
[Women’s Aid Female Homicide Media Watch, August 2008]

40-70% of women who are murdered worldwide are killed by their current or former husband or boyfriend, frequently in the context of an ongoing abusive relationship.
[World Health Organisation, World Report on Violence and Health, 2002]

In the UK between 2001 and 2002, 46% of female homicide victims compared with 5% of male homicide victims were killed by a current or former partner. Over 2 women a week were killed by a former or current partner during this period.
[Flood-Page et al, Crime in England and Wales 2001/2002: Supplementary Volume, Home Office, 2003]

Day 15 Domestic Violence and Gender

1 in 7 women in Ireland compared to 1 in 17 men experience severe domestic violence. Women are over twice as likely as men to have experienced severe physical abuse, seven times more likely to have experienced sexual abuse, and are more likely to experience serious injuries than men.
[National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

90% of the more systematic, persistent and injurious violence that is instrumental in the maintenance of power, is perpetrated by men.
[Kimmel, S., M, Male Victims of Domestic Violence: A Substantive and Methodology Research Review, 2001]

A major study of police reports and crime surveys in the UK, USA and Canada found that between 90 and 97% of perpetrators of violence in intimate relationships are men.
[Dobash and Dobash, Women, Violence and Social Change, 1992]

Day 14 Domestic Violence and Homelessness

In 2006, 1,952 women were accommodated in refuges in Ireland. During the same year, 2,985 children also stayed in refuge.
[2006 Statistics, National Network of Women’s Refuges and Support Services]

In 2003, 26% of women who presented as homeless to the Irish Homeless Persons Unit had become homeless as a result of domestic violence.
[O’Connor & Wilson, Safe Home, Sonas Housing Association Model of Supported Transitional Housing, 2004]

In a survey of 100 homeless women in Dublin domestic violence and inability to find suitable accommodation were the most frequently cited reasons for entry into homelessness.
[Smith, M et al, One Hundred Homeless Women: Health status and health service use of homeless women and their children in Dublin, 2001]

In the UK 38% of families using Shelter's ‘Homelessness to Home’ projects had lost their homes due to domestic violence.
[Jones, A et al Firm Foundations: An Evaluation of Shelter’s Homelessness to Home Services, Shelter, 2002]

Day 13 Young Women and Violence

95% of young women and 84% of young men reported knowing someone who had experienced abuse, violence and harassment ranging from being followed, to being forced to have sex, to being hit by a partner. The persons known were mainly young women.
[Women’s Aid, Teenage Tolerance: The Hidden Lives of Young Irish People, 2001]

1 in 4 young women know someone who was forced to have sex, with over 76% of those known being friends.
[Women’s Aid, Teenage Tolerance: The Hidden Lives of Young Irish People, 2001]

19% of young women and 34% of young men do not think being forced to have sex is rape.
[Women’s Aid, Teenage Tolerance: The Hidden Lives of Young Irish People, 2001]

In the US, nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend had threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a break-up.
[Rennison CM, Welchans S. Intimate partner violence 1993-2001. Washington (DC): Department of Justice (US), Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2003]

Why Statistics?

Women's Aid disseminates key national and international statistics on violence against women via our '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Awarness Campaign. Each day a themed email is sent to thousands of inboxes. The topics include domestic violence and children, domestic violence and sexual violence, domestic violence as a health issue, domestic violence and female homicide and so on.

It is universally acknowledged that statistics are fundamental to understanding the scale of certain issues and also giving them a sense of proportion. They can assist us in our analysis of a particular issue at a given time and can also be used to compare things and make assessments. Statistics can provide factual information on which interpretations and analysis can be based. Finding, compiling and interpreting statistics is also an important aspect of any study or investigation.

The statistics disseminated by Women's Aid come from a varied range of sources including Governments, UN organisations, International and Regional organisations, medical professionals, academic researchers and non-governmental organisations.

If you would like any further information on the campaign please email comms@womensaid.ie

The 16 Days Campaign in Ireland - Day 16

2008-12-10T11:01:00.001Z

Today, Wednesday 10th December, is the last day of the campaign and there are many events taking place to raise awarness about the issue of violence against women in local communities and to promote services available for women experiencing abuse.

Today:

Northwest Roscommon CDP is holding a coffee morning from 12-1.00pm in Unit B1 Supervalu Shopping Centre. They have been running a 'In her shoes' exhibition throughout the campaign.

The WEB Women's Group are holding one minute's silence and releasing 146 balloons, in memory of all of the women murdered in Ireland since 1996, on the steps of the Holy Redeemer Church, Main Street, Bray, Co.Wicklow. This will take place at 12pm.

The Mayo Rape Crisis Centre will connect with women's organisations in the Global South and around the world to remember all women affected by Gender Based Violence. Today at 10am they are going to connect with some international organisations across the world including two organisations in Swaziland and Botswana both of which work on Gender Based Violence and which they Mayo Rape Crisis Centre and the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland had the privilege of visiting with in their respective countries.

The Laois Branch of Amnesty International Irish Section are holding a candle-lit vigil to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Also tonight they will be hosting Amnesty's 'Small Places Tour' event in Kavanagh's Bar, Portlaoise, from 9 p.m. They will use both events to raise of the issue of violence against women in Ireland and the 16 Days campaign.

The Ronanstown CDP and Clondalkin Women's Network, Dublin, have organised a 'Women in Black' silent vigil. Women will gather at the SDCC Civic Office and lilies will be laid in remembrance of women killed by violent partners.

The West Cork Women's Project are launching two new project leaflets in Russian and Polish. The launch will take place at the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen from 11am-1pm.

Mayo Women's Support Services and the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre will mark the close of the 16 Days Campaign with a Lilies Ritual today in Castlebar.

YANA, The North Cork Domestic Violence Project are holding a closing ceremony at 3pm in the Square in Mitchelstown. Each of the 146 women murdered in Ireland will be remembered by the project with white balloons released into the Mitchelstown sky.

South West Kerry Women's Association/Eist Linn will exhibit the entrants to their "Home Truths:Think Women's Human Rights-Think Home" art competition. The winner will be selected today in the Caherciveen library.

St Munchin's Women's Group in Limierick will be displaying their Christmas wreath made to show solidarity with women suffering domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Response, a support service for women experiencing domestic violence based in Oughterard, Co. Galway, are launching their new booklet today. The booklet is called 'Life's Real Fairytale' and is produced in conjunction with a local secondary school and looks at the issue teenage dating relationships.

Other events which were taking place during the whole campaign conclude today. These include:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Final Day of the 16 Days Campaign in Ireland

2008-12-10T10:28:00.001Z

Today is International Human Rights Day and the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Throughout the 16 Days of Action Women's Aid has run our 'Home Truths: Think Women's Human Rights - Think Home' campaign. This theme was designed to highlight the fact that home is a place for 1 in 5 Irish women where their human rights are violated. Home, for most of us, is a place of love, respect and safety - a sanctuary from the stresses and trials of every day life. However, for an estimated 213,000 women in Ireland, home is a place where they experience severe abuse, injury, fear and terror.

Article 5 of the UDHR affirms that 'No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.' However, this basic human right is not realised for the many women in Irish society who experience physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands closest to them - their partners or ex-partners. Our series of actions were designed to highlight the truth about home for 1 in 5 Irish women.

The 16 Days campaign was hugely successful and as you can see from all the other blog posts, scores of organisations and individuals took part in the campaign to call for an end to violence against women. Some adopted the Women's Aid theme others chose a specific theme for their own campaign.

Women's Aid would like to thank everyone who supported the campaign.

Ireland 16 Days Campaign - Day 15

2008-12-09T10:26:00.000Z

Today is the penultimate date of the 16 Days Campaign. Day 15 sees Longford Women’s Link officially launch the evaluation of its STOP Project, “Moulding a Model of Best Practice”.

The report details the extent of what needs to happen to repair the damage to individual women, old, young migrant, rural, farm women, different women from different backgrounds with one thing in common, an abuser who controls their life through fear. They also thought it appropriate to turn the spotlight for a change on the abuser. What motivates him? To answer this question we have Don Hennessey Director of the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency, who has spent the past twenty years trying to understand the mind of the abuser and hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions. The report will be launched by Eimear Fisher, executive director of COSC, The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.

The Laois Support Service against Domestic Abuse in Portlaoise are hosting a coffee morning this morning in support of the 16 Days Campaign. They will have an information stand providing information on local and national services for women experiencing domestic violence.

The Suir Community Development Project in Carrick on Suir, are hosting a a coffee morning in the Nano Nagle Community Resource Centre today at 11am. They are encouraging people to attend the event to show their support for the 16 Days Campaign and to raise awareness of domestic violence locally. A representative from Cuan Saor (Women’s Refuge & Support Service) will be present to give information on the campaign and on the services available to women locally.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

16 Days in Ireland - Day 14

2008-12-08T10:15:00.000Z

Events continue to take place around the country today, including:

Tuam Community Development Resource Centre in Co. Galway are holding a Lily Ceremony followed by refreshments, storytelling, song and reflection. The ceremony will remember women who have died due to violence, are being trafficked, are missing, and are experience domestic violence in their own homes.
The Castlerea Women’s Group supported by Roscommon Women’s Network CDP, with the support of local businesses, will hold a remembrance service for women who have been murdered in Ireland. This event will also be an information evening with guest speakers and light refreshments.
Vista Community Development Project will be holding a commerative service for the Irish women who have tragically lost their lives through domestic violence. The event will include a minute's silence and a candle lighting service.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

The 16 Days in Ireland - Day 13

2008-12-07T13:22:00.000Z

Today is Day 13 of the 16 Days Campaign. The Yana North Cork Domestic Violence Project have organised a bingo evening to raise funds for the project in Woodview Drive Community Centre, Mallow at 3pm.

There are 4 days left in the campaign so you still have time to support the events running throughout the 16 Days period (25th November to 10th December):

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Women's Aid 16 Facts for 16 Days Email Campaign Day 9 to Day 12

2008-12-06T16:07:00.004Z

As part of the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign, the '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign started on 25th November and continues until the last day of the campaign, 10th December. Each day, recipients receive the latest national and international statistics on violence against women delivered straight to their inbox.To sign up email comms@womensaid.ie.

We will be posting the statistics regularly throughout the campaign. Below you'll find day 9 to day 12:

Day 12 Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation

By the end of 2006, Ruhama were aware of 200 women trafficked into Ireland for the purposes of prostitution and had assisted 132 of these women. Of the 132 women 73% originated from Eastern Europe, 21% from Africa, 4% from South America and 2% from Asia. [Ruhama Biennial Report 2005-2006]

Approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders. Approximately 80% of these people are women and girls and up to 50% are minors. The majority of these women and girls are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation. These numbers do not include the millions of people trafficked within their own national borders.[Trafficking in Persons Report, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, US Department of State, June 2007]

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that the annual global profits made from human trafficking for forced commercial sexual exploitation amounts to US$27.8billion.[Forced Labour and Human Trafficking: Estimating the Profits Working Paper, ILO, Geneva, 2005]

Day 11 Domestic Violence: The Obstacles to Leaving

Almost a quarter (22%) of callers to the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline in 2007 disclosed that they were abused by an ex-spouse or partner. The types of abuse disclosed after the relationship has ended included: physical and sexual assaults, stalking, threats to the woman and those she is close to and damage to her new home and property. [Women's Aid National Helpline and Support Services Annual Statistics Report, 2007]

In Making the Links, the single biggest reason why women did not leave violent partners was having nowhere to go (88%). 44% of women cited fear of further violence as the main reason for not leaving. [O’Connor, M, & Kelleher Associates, Making the Links, Women’s Aid, 1995]

Data from 14 of the 18 Women’s Refuges in Ireland showed that in 2003, 2 out of 5 women were refused refuge. 1 in 5 women were refused refuge due to lack of space. [O’Connor, M, & Wilson, N, Safe Home: Sonas Housing Association Model of Supported Transitional Housing, 2004]

30% of victims who disclosed being severely abused said that the abuse continued after the relationship had ended. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

Day 10 The Legal System and Domestic Violence

Only 29% of women who had experienced severe abuse had reported it to An Garda Síochána.[National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

In 2007, there were 11,374 applications for protective orders under the Domestic Violence Act (1996). 3,335 barring orders were applied for and 1,420 were granted. In the same year 1,556 Safety Orders were granted, 296 were refused and 1,707 struck out/withdrawn. 3,235 protection orders were granted whilst 363 were refused and 188 struck out/withdrawn. [Central Statistics Office Court Services Statistics for 2007, July 2008]

The Garda Recorded Crime Statistics Report for 2006 states that there were 1,184 incidents of Breaching Domestic Violence Orders Offences in that year alone. This resulted in 349 convictions. 95% of persons convicted were male and 5% were female. [Central Statistics Office, Garda Recorded Crime Statistics 2003-2006, 2008]

National research carried out in 1999 found that between 1% and 6% of domestic violence offenders in Ireland receive a prison sentence. [Kelleher & O’Connor, Safety and Sanctions, Women’s Aid, 1999]

Day 9 The Economic Cost of Domestic Violence

The estimated economic cost of domestic violence to the Irish economy is €2.2billion a year. This is based on the EU figure that domestic violence costs each member state €555 per citizen annually in policing, health bills, lost productivity and court procedures. [Ahern, TD, Dermot, Minister for Justice, speaking at the International Conference on Domestic Violence, Waterford, May 2008, quoted in ‘Domestic Violence costs the country €2.2bn’, The Irish Examiner, 30.5.08]

The estimated cost of domestic violence homicides of adult women in the UK is stg£112million each year (approx. €135m). That is on average stg£1.1million (approx € 1.32m) per every domestic violence homicide. [Walby, Sylvia, The Economic Cost of Domestic Violence, Women & Equality Unit, 2004]

The total annual cost of domestic violence to the Australian economy in 2002–03 was an estimated AU$8.1 billion (approx. €4.2bn). The largest contributor is pain, suffering and premature mortality, at AU$3.5 billion (approx. €1.8 bn). [The Cost of Domestic Violence to the Australian Economy, A report prepared for the Australian Government's Office of the Status of Women by Access Economics Pty Ltd, Commonwealth of Australia, 2004]

Day 1 to 8 of the email campaign can be found here.

The 16 Days of Action - Day 12

2008-12-06T16:00:00.001Z

Today, is Day 12 of the 16 Days of Action and also the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre when a gunman shot dead 14 female engineer students for being 'feminists'. Click here to find out more about the massacre.

In Ireland, the 16 Days campaign continues. From 11-4pm today, the Cobh Family Resource Centre in association with Robin Hill Clinic, is having a pampering day. The purpose of this day is to encourage women to take better care of themselves holistically. Individual personalised invitations were sent out.Women will be able to avail of the following workshops/treatments:- What is counselling?- N L P- homeopathy- acupuncture- Massage- Reflexology- Indian Head massage- Reiki- Beauty therapy. The charge of €6.00 will go towards the fund they have in place for their crisis counselling service.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Roscommon CDP 'In Her Shoes' Closing Event

2008-12-05T13:21:00.000Z

On Wednesday 10th December, the last day of the 16 Days Campaign, Northwest Roscommon CDP is holding a coffee morning from 12-1.00pm in Unit B1 Supervalu Shopping Centre. They have been running a 'In her shoes' exhibition throughout the campaign.

For further details contact: 094 9862565

The 16 Days in Ireland - Day 11

2008-12-05T11:11:00.000Z

Today, a number of events are taking place around the country, including:

The Waterford Local Area Network on Violence against Women are holding a commemoration for the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996 at the Granary, Waterford City at 7.30pm.
The Cork Inter-Agency Group on Domestic Violence will launch their 'In Her Shoes' exhibition at the Cork Vision Centre today at noon.
Amnesty International in Galway are holding a vigil at 5pm at Lynches Castle in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and later at 7pm they will discuss 'Iraqi Women: Between Sectarian War and American Occupation' in the Freedom cafe, 2-3 Middle Street, Galway.
YANA, the North Cork Domestic Violence Project are holding a training seminar today at the Mercy Centre in Mallow.
The Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan) will hold the second launch of their new website and leaflet today in the Landmark Hotel in Carrick on Shannon. There will be a commemoration service for all the women murdered in Ireland since 1996 at the end of the event.
Waterford Women's Centre will be displaying creative pieces on the theme of violence against women and the 16 Days campaign at the Granary, Waterford.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

WEB Women's Group, Bray, Join the 16 Days Campaign

2008-12-05T10:59:00.000Z

On Wednesday 10th December, Human Rights Day, The WEB Women's Group are holding one minute's silence and releasing 146 balloons, in memory of all of the women murdered in Ireland since 1996, on the steps of the Holy Redeemer Church, Main Street, Bray, Co.Wicklow. This will take place at 12pm.

All are welcome to join them and tea and coffee will be served in the parish hall afterwards.

For more information email Elly Fairbairn.

Support the Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Campaign

2008-12-04T12:05:00.003Z

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Campaign is continuing throughout the 16 Days Campaign.

Women's Aid is distributing 53,000 postcards nationwide to raise awareness of domestic violence and to profile the 16 Days campaign nationally and locally. We have been received great feedback about the postcard and most people find it a really effective and strong way to communicate the reality of domestic violence for many Irish women. Some of the feedback includes:

"Very effective at portraying emotional abuse"

"Very subtle but grabs you and gets the message across"
"Brilliant"

"Very attractive to young people"

10,000 cards have been distributed from Women's Aid to politicians, the media, community groups, family resource centres and other key activists, policy makers and interested individuals. Thank you to everyone who has distributed copies of the postcard within your local communities.

13,000 postcards are being distributed by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) throughout the 21 3rd level campuses over the 16 Days. This is a great way to reach young people to highlight the issue of domestic violence and we are delighted to be working with the USI this year.

30,000 postcards are being distributed in Dublin through the Pictureworks advertising company who have postcard racks in 210 venues across the city.

If you'd like to get a copy of postcard some are still available in pubs, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment venues. Pick one up today.

For more information on the Women's Aid 16 Days Campaign contact Christina Sherlock on 01-8684721.

European Women's Lobby Supports the 16 Days Campaign

2008-12-04T11:25:00.000Z

European policymakers Must Say No to Violence against Women

The European Women’s Lobby and its member organisations mobilise for the 16 days of activism against Violence against Women - starting on the International day against violence against women on 25 November and ending on International Human Rights Day the 10th December.

Across Europe, as well as globally women’s organisations and activists are taking a lead in raising awareness in issues of violence against women, and holding policymakers accountable to end violence against women. Statistics show that one in four or one in five women in Europe have been victims of male violence, and it is one of the most important causes of mortality for women in Europe. Given the enormity of the issue for society as a whole, and the numerous individual lives devastated, the silence surrounding these realities are ever the more unacceptable.

Violence against women is not only a huge important public health issue, and it is also costly for society. Violence against women is also a matter of democracy, human rights and equality. The 16 days of activism this year celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, highlighting that women‟s rights are an integral part of the human rights struggle and that women and girls have a right to grow up free from male violence. Policymakers must do all they can to uphold this basic right if Europe wants to aspire to be a region that respect the fundamental principles of human rights and gender equality.

The European Women‟s Lobby, with its branch EPACVAW (European Policy Action Centre on violence Against Women), calls on European policymakers to:

Increase EU financial resources to fund activities and organisations working in the field of violence against women
Establish a one-yearly meeting of EU and national policymakers and NGOs to assess progress and challenges in the work against violence against women
Declare a European year on zero tolerance against violence against women
Propose a strong EU policy on violence against women that comprises binding instrument to step up Member States‟ efforts to prevent and combat gender-based violence and ensure protection of women.
European Parliamentarians to join the UNIFEM lead campaign ''Say no to violence against women‟ by signing the written declaration tabled by Eva-Britt Svensson, Vice chair of the Women‟s right committee.

More info at www.womenlobby.org or contact Colette De Troy @ centre-violence@womenlobby.org

Freedom from Pornography Action Day

2008-12-04T10:50:00.002Z

Join FfPC to create a pornography free world!

In a press release this morning, Joanne McMinn, Director of the National Women's Council, said, 'Designating today, December 4th, as 'Freedom from Pornography Day' is an important step in the fight against pornography here in Ireland and around the World. Today also allows us to highlight the very harmful effects of pornography and to name it as a violation of women's human rights.

' Research consistently demonstrates that pornography is harmful to the women engaged in it, to women in society generally and to the men who use it. Pornography is harmful because it objectifies, dehumanizes and humiliates women. The sexual assault of women is depicted in
pornography as normal, acceptable and even pleasurable to women'.

' The NWCI supports Freedom from Pornography Day and calls on the
Government today, to protect women's human rights through political
action to address the harm of pornography,' Ms McMinn concluded.

Freedom from Pornography Campaign (FfPC) is asking all people, groups and organisations to designate Thursday, December 4th as a day of action against pornography. The day provides an opportunity to take action against pornography.

FfPC suggests the following actions to assert the Freedom from Pornography agenda on or around the 4th:

Sporting the Campaign colours by wearing lilac and purple ribbon (the colours of the pornography free movement in Ireland)
Telling people why you are wearing it and what the campaign is about
Displaying campaign leaflets in your work place
Sending leaflets and ribbons to other organisations and individuals explaining the FfPC aims and why it is important for people to join in the campaign for a pornography free world.
Holding a discussion or eductaion workshop on the harm based definition of pornography

If you or your organisation would like to receive FfPC materials, or if you have participated in any way, please email freedomfpc@eircom.net or ring 086 8723052.

16 Days in Ireland - Day 10

2008-12-04T10:25:00.002Z

Today, a number of events are taking place around the country, including:

Amnesty International screens the Invisibles, an award winning series of five short films about human rights, at NUIG in Galway; with speakers from the Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUIG Global Women’s Centre, the Development Education Research Network and Médecins Sans Frontiéres and followed by a panel discussion.
The Clara Women's Group will be hosting a social eveing in aid of Offaly Domestic Violence Services in the Clara Family Resource Centre on Thursday 4th Decemeber at 8pm.
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project is holding a training workshop for frontline workers, gardai, and community service providers in the Mercy Centre, Mallow on the 4th and 5th December.
The Freedom From Pornography Campaign (FFPC) has designated the 4th of December as Freedom From Pornography Day. The FFPC are inviting people to support the campaign by wearing a purple and pink ribbon on the day.
Inchicore Outreach Centre workers will be making ribbons and distributing them with FFPC leaflets to all the Statutary/Voluntary service providers in their local Canals area, Dublin 8.
The women's group at St. Mary's Community Development Project in King's Island in Limerick are launching the display of a Christmas wreath on their centre to remember all of the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996 and to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women.
Wexford Local Area Network on Violence Against Women has arranged a service in St. Iberius Church Wexford to remember all those women and children who have been affected by domestic violence.
The Southill Domestic Abuse Project in Limerick will hold a commemoration service for all women murdered in Ireland since 1996.
The Arklow Community Development Project will be holding a workshop for area service providers aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the issue of domestic violence and to challenge myths that surround the issue.
Sinn Féin will distribute their postcard on domestic violence this evening outside St. Stephen's Green shopping centre. All are welcome to join with banners or other awareness raising items. Ring Helen on 087 2455519 for more details.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Blog of the Week

2008-12-03T17:00:00.001Z

The Women's Aid Ireland 16 Days Blog has been made blog of the week over at http://www.irishblogs.ie/. This is a fantasitc site that highlights Irish blogs and blogs with Irish content.

It is great to be listed as blog of the week and we hope that it encourages more people to look at the 16 Days blog and find out more about the campaign and the events taking place around the country.

Thanks to Roger and his team at http://www.irishblogs.ie/

10 minutes at 10am on 10th December 2008 - Connecting Women in Ireland with Women in the Global South

2008-12-03T13:21:00.001Z

The Mayo Rape Crisis Centre is using the 16 Days Campaign to connect with with women's organisations in the Global South and around the world to remember all women affected by Gender Based Violence.

On 10th December at 10am (Irish time) they are going to connect with some international organisations across the world including two organisations in Swaziland and Botswana both of which work on Gender Based Violence and which they Mayo Rape Crisis Centre and the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland had the privilege of visiting with in their respective countries.

Swagaa stands for Swaziland Action against Gender Violence and Abuse and WAR in Botswana which stands for Women against Rape. At 10 am Irish time it will be 12 pm in Swaziland and Botswana. They are also connecting in spirit with Tennessee Coalition of Gender Based Violence in USA.

They will especially remember the women of the African continent and especially the women of Botswana and Swaziland. They are also hoping to make links with women from Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Afghanistan and Iraq - so if you would like to join them in a big or little way to connect with each other you would be most welcome.

Support the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre Action

Any organisation around the world, including Ireland can join in this action. Set aside 10 minutes at 10am on 10th December in your organisation or home or community space and have a quiet mediation around a candle, a song, a thought, or have a gathering of staff for tea/coffee and have something in the room to show solidarity with women suffering abuse.

Email them

If you would like to take part, email them today and let them know your location and your plans.

Suir Community Development Project 16 Days Event

2008-12-03T11:50:00.000Z

The Suir Community Development Project in Carrick on Suir, are hosting a a coffee morning in the Nano Nagle Community Resource Centre on Tuesday 9th December at 11am.

They are encouraging people to attend the event to show their support for the 16 Days Campaign and to raise awareness of domestic violence locally.

A representative from Cuan Saor (Women’s Refuge & Support Service) will be present to give information on the campaign and on the services available to women locally

For more information contact Carmel McKenna, Project Cordinator, Suir CDP, 12 New Street,
Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary or phone 051-641066.

16 Facts for 16 Days Email Campaign: Day 5 - 8

2008-12-03T11:23:00.001Z

As part of the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign, the '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign started on 25th November and continues until the last day of the campaign, 10th December. Each day, recipients receive the latest national and international statistics on violence against women delivered straight to their inbox.

To sign up email comms@womensaid.ie.

We will be posting the statistics regularly throughout the campaign. Below you'll find day 5 to day 8:

Day 5: Domestic Violence: A Pattern Not an Isolated Event

Irish research found that 24% of those who had experienced domestic violence reported experiencing one form of violence, 25% had experienced two or three types of violence, 20% had experienced four to seven types of violence and 31% had experience eight or more types. [Bradley, F, et al. Reported Frequency of Domestic Violence; Cross sectional survey of women attending general practice. British Medical Journal; Vol. 324]

Domestic violence has the highest rate of repeat victimisation than any other crime. 42% of women disclosed being victimised more than once and almost 1 in 4 women (23%) reported being attacked 3 or more times. [2000 British Crime Survey: England and Wales, Home Office]

Almost three quarters of incidents of domestic violence (73%) involve repeat offending, with every one in four victims (27%) attacked three or more times. [Third Special Report: Domestic Violence, Forced Marriage and "Honour"-Based Violence, House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, 31st October 2008.]

Day 6: Domestic Violence and Children

In 2007, there were 1,889 specific incidents of child abuse disclosed to the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline. Abuse of children ranged from physical violence (physical assault, assault with weapons) to exposing children to pornography or exposing children to rape of mother. In an additional 3,491 calls it was directly disclosed that children were living with domestic violence against their mother. [Women's Aid National Helpline and Support Services Annual Statistics Report, 2007]

In 2003, 3 out of 4 women who were accommodated in refuge were accompanied by one or more children. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

In the UK, nearly 75% of children on the 'at risk' register live in households where domestic violence occurs. [UK Department of Health, 2002]

An overview of research studies found that in between 30-66% of cases, the same perpetrator is abusing both the mother and the children. [Edleson, J., Children's witnessing of adult domestic violence, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 14. 839-870, 1999]

Day 7: Domestic Violence and Health

Women who have experienced domestic violence are at an increased risk of depression and suicide attempts; physical injuries; psychosomatic disorders; unwanted pregnancies; HIV and other STDs; being killed by a partner. [World Health Organisation, World Report on Violence and Health, 2002]

5% of women in Ireland who experienced severe abuse in an intimate relationship suffered a miscarriage as a result of the abuse. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

A study conducted by the Rotunda Maternity Hospital found that in a sample of 400 pregnant women, 1 in 8 had experienced abuse while they were pregnant. [O'Donnell S, Fitzpatrick John M, McKenna PF, Abuse in Pregnancy – The Experience of Women, Nov 2000, Vol.98, No. 8]

Day 8: Domestic Violence and Injury

In 2007, there were 2,457 incidents of physical abuse disclosed to the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline. Reported physical abuse included being tied up and locked in a room for days, having boiling water thrown in her face, being punched, beaten with weapons, being burnt and being shot at. [Women's Aid National Helpline and Support Services Annual Statistics Report, 2007]

49% of women injured by their partner’s violence required medical treatment and 10% required a hospital stay. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

Irish research found that of women who had experienced violent behaviour 46% had been injured. Serious violent incidents were common, 10% of women reporting being punched in the face; 10% punched or kicked on the body, arms, or legs; 9% choked; and 9% forced to have sex. [Bradley, F, et al. Reported Frequency of Domestic Violence; Cross sectional survey of women attending general practice. British Medical Journal; Vol. 324]

Day 1 to 4 of the email campaign can be found here.

16 Days in Ireland - Day 9

2008-12-03T09:57:00.000Z

Today, W.O.V.E (Women Overcoming Violence Effectively) will hold a morning seminar for GPs, social workers, staff of A&E departments, Justice, Probation and all front line project staff, in order to raise awareness of its work.

In addition, Women's Aid is the featured organisation on the Take Back the Tech website.

Other events which started the first day of the campaign continue today. These include:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

If You Have Woken Up - Sign Up: Use the 16 Days Campaign to Support the ERA

2008-12-02T16:37:00.002Z

The Equality & Rights Alliance (ERA) is a newly-formed coalition of over 40 civil society groups, including Women's Aid, seeking to ensure the promotion and enhancement of human rights, equality and social justice in Ireland. The Alliance is chaired by Joanna McMinn, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland.

ERA formed in response to the Government’s proposal to merge the Equality Authority, the Equality Tribunal, the National Disability Authority, the Data Protection Commissioner and the Irish Human Rights Commission.

ERA believes that this move will diminish the ability of these agencies to do the jobs they have been doing well. And this will affect everyone. Not just a few. We can’t afford cutbacks in the protection of the rights of the most vulnerable in society. The members of ERA represent older people, women, families, children, people with disabilities, carers, immigrants, workers, gay, lesbian and bisexual people, Travellers and many others who have been deprived of the benefits of Ireland’s economic boom.

In these changed times, it is fundamentally wrong that they should be the first to suffer. ERA will set out the organisational, legislative, and most importantly, human costs of cutting back on the protection of rights.

ERA believes that five into one won’t go.

How You Can Support the ERA Campaign

1. Sign Up to the online petition - click here

2. Spread the word - ask friends to support the petition by emailing them the link to the ERA petition.

3. Contact your local newspapers and radio asking them to cover the story. Email Edel Hackett for a suggested press release.

4. Use International Human Rights Day, 10th December to stage a photocall in your local area or help feed into the main one being organised by the ERA Campaign on the same day. Email Edel Hackett today for details.

5. Use the ERA Greeting and Christmas Cards to spread the word about the campaign. Go to the ERA website for more information.

Protect Your Equality and Human Rights Now!

16 Days Lily Ceremony, Tuam, Co. Galway

2008-12-02T13:50:00.002Z

Tuam Community Development Resource Centre in Co. Galway are holding a Lily Ceremony on Monday 8th December at the Chapel Lane Bridge at 1.30p.m in Tuam, followed by refreshments, storytelling, song and reflection in Tuam Community Centre.

The ceremony will remember women who:
*have died due to violence
*are being trafficked
*are missing
*experience domestic violence in their own homes.

All are welcome. Participants are asked to gather at Tuam Community Development Resource Centre at 1p.m. from where the ‘16 days banner’ will be carried to the bridge for the ceremony.

For more information contact Sarah Oates on 093-25340 or email them.

16 Days in Ireland - Day 8

2008-12-02T10:33:00.000Z

Events continue to take place today across Ireland. These include:

Doras Bui will hold a public event at their centre consisting of a talk by Mr Don Hennessy, Director of the NDVIA (National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency); a poetry reading by two women who attend our Centre; and a memorial of flowers to remember the women who have been killed in Ireland over the past twelve years.
Aonad Family Resource Centre will hold an information evening called '16 Days - In Her Shoes' in the Mattie McDonagh Centre, Ballygar from 7.30pm.
Sole Purpose Productions in conjunction with Tearmann Domestic Violence Service host the acclaimed production of 'Don't Say a Word' written and performed by Patricia Byrne.

Other events which started the first day of the campaign continue today. These include:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Sonas Housing Association 16 Days Postcard Campaign

2008-12-01T15:56:00.001Z

Sonas Housing Association, which is based in Dublin, is calling for more supported housing for women made homeless due to domestic violence. Studies have shown that 88 per cent of women who suffer from domestic violence do not leave because they have nowhere to go.

Sonas Housing Association, which provides housing to women made homeless due to domestic violence, has implemented a targeted postcard campaign to politicians and policymakers asking how they intend to address this issue as part of the 16 Days Campaign.

Launching the postcard on 25th November, Sharon Cosgrove, CEO of Sonas Housing, said: "There is a great need for supported housing because women in domestic violence situations have many needs in relation to safety, health, financial and legal issues. Women's safety is very important at this time. Women are at greatest risk of homicide when she leaves or when she has just left a violent partner. Supported transitional housing is currently available through organisations like Sonas, which aims to empower women and support them to independence over the course of two years. However these services are dependent on funding as well as having adequate move-on options into social housing or the private rented sector at the end of the transitional period."

Ms Cosgrove also highlighted the lack of an integrated strategy by local authorities and the health sector on crisis accommodation, short-term housing and long-term housing needs:
"There is a serious need for a co-ordinated approach to service provision for victims of domestic violence from central government, the HSE, the Gardai and local authorities. We need policy guidelines to take account of eligibility and housing management/tenancy issues. Cosc is currently producing a national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which should inform improving service provision. However this strategy must be put in action quickly."

Sonas would like a more coherent analysis of the links between domestic violence and homelessness. Cosgrove continued: "Currently domestic violence is not accurately captured as a cause of homelessness. Due to this gap in knowledge, we are not seeing the extent of the problem and are consequently unable to analyse it adequately. For example, Ireland's levels of domestic violence against women are comparable to levels in the UK, but we are not seeing comparable levels of homelessness due to domestic violence. In some local authorities, domestic violence is not even considered as a possible cause to homelessness. Instead it is hidden within other listed causes such as 'anti-social behaviour' and 'family breakdown'. There is a great need for a national study that quantitatively examines the impact of domestic violence on homelessness in Ireland."

For more information, contact: Paula McGovern, policy and communications officer, Sonas Housing Association, Tel: 01 8309088.

Cobh Family Resource Centre, Co. Cork

2008-12-01T15:22:00.001Z

Cobh Family Resource Centre in association with Robin Hill Clinic, in support of 16 Day campaign, have organised a pampering day December 6th. The purpose of this day is to encourage women to take better care of themselves holistically. Individual personalised invitations were sent out.

Women will be able to avail of the following workshops/treatments:
- What is counselling?
- N L P
- homeopathy
- acupuncture
- Massage
- Reflexology
- Indian Head massage
- Reiki
- Beauty therapy.

The day will run from 11.00 a.m to 4 p.m at Cobh Family Resource Centre- the charge of €6.00 will go towards the fund they have in place for their crisis counselling service.

For more information call Aislinn on 021-4816103.

16 Days Campaign in Ireland - Day 7

2008-12-01T11:29:00.002Z

Today, Monday 1st December 2008 is World Aids Day and also the day 7 of the 16 Days Campaign.

2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Since 1988, individuals and organisations from around the world have been coming together on December 1st to bring attention to the global AIDS pandemic. With 33 million people now living with HIV and AIDS, World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to highlight how much more still needs to be done.

In 2007, 15.5 million women worldwide were living with HIV. This represents 50% of the total number of adults affected. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 59% of those living with HIV are women. [UNAIDS/WHO Update, July 2008]

There are some events taking place in Dublin today to mark the campaign. For more information go to http://www.irishaid.ie/ , http://www.stampstigma.ie/ and http://www.openhearthouse.ie/

**************************************************************************
Other events which started the first day of the campaign continue today. These include:

* The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
* The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
* Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
* 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
* Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
* Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
* St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
* The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
* Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
* Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
* The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
* Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
* Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
* Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
* Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
* YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
* Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Amnesty International and Galway Rape Crisis Centre Events

2008-12-01T11:20:00.002Z

Amnesty International Ireland and the Galway Rape Crisis Centre would like to invite you to join them at the following events organised during the 16 Days Campaign:

'Women and War' 5th December 2008:

5 pm Candle lit vigil in solidarity with the people of The Democratic Republic of Congo at Lynches Castle, Shop Street Galway.

7.30 pm Public discussion '‘Iraqi Women, between sectarian war and American occupation’ Amnesty International Freedom Cafe 2-3 Middle St. Galway.

Amnesty International Ireland and the Galway Rape Crisis centre are organizing an evening of events to mark the international campaign ‘16 Days in opposition to violence against women’ . Women are never more at risk than in times of war and Galway people will be offered an opportunity to show solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo at a candlelit vigil in the Galway city centre.

In 2007 Congolese women made up 28% of clients who attended the Galway Rape Crisis Centre's asylum seeker clinic, the largest single national group. The majority of these women reported that they had been victims of multiple perpetrator rapes carried out by members of the Congolese armed forces.

The situation in Democratic Republic of Congo: The DRC has, since last August been plunged into a fresh round of devastating armed conflict. This new outbreak of fighting has, so far resulted in the displacement of 250,000 people and a massive escalation in the use of rape by armed forces, murders of civilians and the recruitment of child soldiers. Last week the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of 3,000 extra troops to bolster the 17,000 Peacekeepers already stationed in DRC. Amnesty International Ireland is calling for the immediate deployment of these UN troops to provide security and protection for the people of the region.

This will be followed at 7.30pm by a discussion; ‘Iraqi Women, between sectarian war and American occupation’ with exiled University of Baghdad Academic, Dr Sawsan Al-Assaf of the Irish Centre for Human Rights.The discussion will take place in the Amnesty International Freedom Cafe 2- 3 Middle St. Dr Al-Assaf has lectured in political science in several universities in Iraq. Her main interests are issues of democracy, US strategy towards the Middle East, International relations, human rights and Iraqi women. In this informal discussion Sawsan will be focusing on both her personal experiences and her research on the effects of the invasion and occupation of Iraq on Iraqi women. There will be an opportunity for questions.

For further information please contact: Sarah Clancy, Campaigns Officer at our Galway office, mailto:sclancy@amnesty.ieor 086 7924095 or Aobheann Mc Cann, Coordinator ,Galway Rape Crisis Centre, 091 583149

Award winning human rights short films come to Galway - 4th December

What: Screening of Invisibles – an award winning series of five short films about human rights followed by a panel discussion

Who: Speakers from the Irish Centre for Human Rights; NUIG Global Women’s Centre; the Development Education Research Network and Médecins Sans Frontiéres

Where: NUIG Huston School of Film & Digital Media, located behind the Irish Centre for Human Rights

When: 2pm & 6.30 pm

The award winning series of human rights short films, Invisibles , produced by Javier Bardem and created by renowned directors, gives voice to the victims and survivors of some of the most neglected health and human rights crises in the world. It is being shown in Galway as part of events to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The films deal with cross cutting themes from the UDHR: Wim Wenders examines widespread sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its effects on women. Fernando Leon de Aranoa highlights the ongoing crises of the ‘night commuters’ and child soldiers in northern Uganda. Mariano Barroso looks at the dual role of eflornithine, a drug used as a beauty product in wealthy nations, but which is needed to treat Sleeping Sickness in the Central African Republic. Javier Corcuera travels to Colombia to document the life of people affected by the ever-present violence as they try to return to their rural homes. Isabel Coixet examines how chagas disease in Bolivia affects a young woman working in Madrid.

The 2pm Screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

A second screening will take place at 6.30pm when the audience can watch the film with some food and a glass of wine. Throughout 2009 DERN will continue to host events on the theme of Global Health and Human Rights . For further information contact: Clionadh O' Keeffe, DERN Research Associate, 091 49 5040.

http://www.nuigalway.ie/dern

http://www.amnesty.ie/

Laois Amnesty Supports the 16 Days Campaign

2008-12-01T11:13:00.000Z

The Laois Branch of Amnesty International Irish Section are supporting the 16 Days Campaign this year.

On 10th December, International Human Rights Day, the group are holding a candle-lit vigil which will mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Also on the evening of the 10th, they will be hosting Amnesty's 'Small Places Tour' event in Kavanagh's Bar, Portlaoise, from 9 p.m.

They will use both events to raise of the issue of violence against women in Ireland and the 16 Days campaign.

Email the group for more information.

Waterford Local Area Network Event

2008-12-01T11:03:00.000Z

Waterford Local Area Network on Violence against Women are holding a commemoration for the 146 women who have been murdered in Ireland since 1996, many killed by their husbands, partners or someone known to them.

This will take place at 7.30pm, The Granary, Waterford City on Friday 5th, December 2008.

This event will include:

*An introduction from Breda Murphy, Chair of the Waterford Local Area Network on Violence Against Women;
* Songs from the Peace Choir
* Input from John Doyle (South East Domestic Violence Intervention Programme)
* Lighting of candles in commemoration of the women who have been killed and those who have survived domestic abuse, * Reflection by Anne Goodwin (St. Brigid’s FRC)
* Presentation from Fresh Start group,
*Creative Presentation from Waterford Women’s Centre
* Refreshments

This event has been organised by the Waterford Local Area Network (LAN) on Violence against Women, a network made up of statutory, community and voluntary groups that provide services to women who are or have been victims of violence. The LAN aims to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women, improve communication between service providers and to help more women access those services.

The event is part of the global 16 Days of Action opposing violence against women. This is the 17th Year of the campaign that runs annually from 25th November (International Day Opposing Violence Against Women) to the 10th December (International Human Rights Day)

Please join them at this event to show your support for women who are or have been victims of violence

For Further Information please contact: Breda Murphy, Waterford Womens Centre (051) 351918, Veronica Malone Independent Mothers Project (051) 352866, Oasis House (051) 370367, or John Doyle S.E.D.V.I.P. (051) 844260

The International Campaign

2008-11-30T15:58:00.000Z

The Centre for Women's Global Leadership has put together an international calendar of events. Check out other 16 Days projects and events here.

The 16 Days Campaign - Day 6

2008-11-30T15:49:00.001Z

Sunday is usually a day of rest but during the campaign, many organisations take this opportunity to raise the issue of violence against women in local churches. This morning, Bray Women's Refuge gave a short sermon on domestic violence at St.Fergal's Church in Bray. Other churches are supporting the 16 Days campaign by reading out statistics on violence against women and lighting candles of remembrance during mass.

Take Back the Tech - End Violence against Women Campaign

2008-11-29T11:04:00.004Z

How many hours a day do you spend using some kind of ICT tool?

Have you ever wondered how it connects with violence against women?

Can things like mobile phones, webcams, blogs and video games transform power relations between women and men?

For 16 days, the Take Back the Tech campaign has one call: take control of information communications technology, and use it in activism to eliminate violence against women.

In 2005, Association of Progressive Communications, Women's Networking Support Programme developed research papers that look at the connection between informationcommunications technology (ICTs) and violence against women(VAW). The APC WNSP is a global network of more than 175 women in over 55 countries promoting gender equality in the design, implementation, access and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and in the policy decisions and frameworks that regulate them.

From sharing the findings with women's rights andcommunication rights advocates in different spaces, we foundthis to be an issue that compels further attention and deeperengagement.

This is especially since many stakeholderswith access to decision-making powers in policy processessuch as the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), have begun toargue on regulation of the internet by asserting protectionof women from harm in terms of pornography.The problem with this is the conspicuous absence of women’sown experiences and perspectives from these debates.

The root cause of VAW lies in unequalpower relations between men and women in almost all facetsof life. The field of ICTs faces the same gender disparity. As a result, digital spaces like the internet, broadcastand telecommunications have become defined and developedaccording to dominant perspectives of masculinities.

This means that VAW that happened in physical spaces like the home and streets, are now also taking newforms and occurring in digital spaces. For example, domestic violence abusers have used tools like spyware and GPS totrack and control their partner's mobility.

APC WNSP believes that both ICTs and VAW affect our capacity to completely enjoy our human rightsand fundamental freedoms. Our right to move freely without harassment or threats to safety also applies to digital spaces.

This 16-day campaign aims to engage greater participation by all civil society, especially girls and women ICT-users, to think about this issue in diverse contexts and realities. By calling for all users to reclaim control over technology, we are asking for the right to define, access, use and shape ICTs for its potential to transform power relations, towards a vision and reality of equality.

What is this action?
*A collaborative campaign to reclaim information & communications technologies (ICTs) to end violence against women (VAW).
*A call to everyone - especially girls and women - totake control of ICTs and consciously use it to change power relations between men and women.
*For 16 Days (Nov 25 – Dec 10), to enable users to employ ICTs for activism against VAW.

Why Take Back The Tech?
*Creating digital spaces that protects everyone’s right to move freely, without harassment or threat to safety (echoing "TakeBack The Night" campaigns).
*Realising our rights to shape, define, participate, use & share knowledge, information and ICTs.
*Addressing the intersections between communication rights and women’s human rights, especially violence against women.
*Recognising women’s historical and critical participation and contribution to the development of ICTs (e.g. AdaLovelace, GraceHopper...)

What are the goalsof this action?
*Build knowledge on how VAW is connected with ICTs, based on diverse experiences and realities.
*Support and promote local actions, priorities and advocacy issues on VAW & ICTs in different spaces and contexts.
*Collaboratively create strategies on using ICTs tactically to counter VAW.
*Changing the landscape, potential & paradigm of ICTs through active participation.
*To facilitate movement building on the human rights of women in relation to the field of ICTs.

For more information go to http://www.takebackthetech.org.uk/

the 16 Days Campaign in Ireland - Day 5

2008-11-29T10:26:00.000Z

Today is Day 5 of the 16 Days Campaign and it is also International Human Rights Defenders Day. Check out the 'Defending Women - Defending Rights' Campaign.

In Donegal, the Inishowen Women's Outreach Service continue their street bucket collection today.

Other events which started the first day of the campaign continue today. These include:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

16 Days Event in Aid of Offaly Domestic Violence Service

2008-11-28T15:22:00.001Z

The Clara Women's Group will be hosting a social eveing in aid of Offaly Domestic Violence Services in the Clara Family Resource Centre on Thursday 4th Decemeber at 8pm. Donations will be accepted on the night. For more information, contact Catherine Power, Development Worker, Clara FRC on 057-9331928.

Community Events in Coolock against Violence against Women

2008-11-28T14:53:00.001Z

November 25, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

Domestic Violence is a Crime – Break the Silence

Since 1996, 146 women have been murdered in Ireland (63%) of these women were killed in their own homes. 107 (73%) of these cases have been resolved and 50% were killed by their partner or ex-partner. A further 40 women were killed by someone known to them, other than a partner/ex-partner. In total 93 women (87%) were killed by someone they knew.

These statistics are shocking and frightening, and they are the reason why Doras Bui as a local community group in Coolock is joining with many non-governmental organisations across the world to participate in the International Campaign of 16 Days Opposing Violence Against Women.

The following actions and events will be taking place:

1. A 20 ft Banner with the slogan ‘Domestic violence is a crime – break the silence’ printed in large letters will be erected on the outside of our premises for the 16 days.

2. All visitors to our Centre including participants on our programmes, parents using our Creche, people making deliveries and others will be asked to participate in the making of a Vision Board by writing down the first word that comes to mind when violence against women is mentioned.

3. An Public Event will be held in our Centre on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 10.30am to 12.30pm consisting of....

· A talk by Mr Don Hennessy, Director of the NDVIA (National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency) on Don Hennessy has been working with both the victims and the perpetrators of domestic violence for the past 18 years.

· A Poetry reading by two women who attend our Centre

· A memorial of flowers to remember the women who have been killed in Ireland over the past twelve years.

For more information contact: Noreen Byrne, Director of Doras Bui, Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17. Tel: 01 848 4811 or 086 829 5318.

Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign Day 1-4

2008-11-28T11:22:00.001Z

As part of the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign, the '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign started on 25th November and continues until the last day of the campaign, 10th December. Each day, recipients receive the latest national and international statistics on violence against women delivered straight to their inbox. To sign up email comms@womensaid.ie.

We will be posting the statistics regularly throughout the campaign. Below you'll find day 1 to day 4:

Day 1: Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Ireland

1 in 5 of Irish women have been abused by a current or former partner. [O'Connor, M, & Kelleher Associates, Making the Links, Women's Aid, 1995]

In 2007, the Women's Aid National Helpline responded to 11,733 calls. There were 8,012 incidents of emotional abuse, 2,457 incidents of physical abuse and 1408 incidents of economic abuse disclosed. In the same year, 593 incidents of sexual abuse were disclosed to Helpline support workers including 248 rapes. Many callers disclosed that they had experienced multiple forms of abuse. [Women's Aid National Helpline and Support Services Annual Statistics Report, 2007]

1 in 7 women in Ireland have experienced severe abuse, defined as a pattern of physical, emotional or sexual behaviours between partners in an intimate relationship that causes, or risks causing, significant negative consequences for the person affected. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

Day 2: Violence against Women Globally

International research consistently demonstrates that a woman is more likely to be assaulted, injured, raped, or killed by a current or former partner than by any other person. Findings from nearly 80 population-bases studies carried out in more than 50 countries, indicate that between 10% and 60% of women who have ever been married or partnered have experienced at least one incident of physical violence from a current or former intimate partner. [Ellsberg & Heise, 2005, WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence]

25% of all violent crimes reported involve a man assaulting his wife or partner. [EU Campaign Against Domestic Violence, 2000]

At least 1 in 3 women, or up to one billion women, have been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in their lifetimes. Usually, the abuser is a member of her own family or someone known to her. [Heise, L, Ellsberg, M, Ending Violence against Women, 1999]

One in five women will be a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime. [WHO Report, 1997]

Day 3: Sexual Violence Against Women

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre carried out 10,155 counselling calls in 2007. 83% of callers were female. [Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Annual Report 2007]

Trained volunteers at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre attended the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit with 320 victims in 2007. [Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Annual Report 2007]

More than 4 in 10 (42%) women in Ireland have experienced some form of sexual abuse or assault in their lifetime. The most serious form of abuse, penetrative abuse, was experienced by 10% of women. Attempted penetration or contact abuse was experienced by 21%, with a further 10% experiencing non-contact abuse. [McGee H et al, SAVI: Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland, The Liffey Press in Association with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, 2002]

In 2007, only 7% of the sexual violence reported to Rape Crisis Centres throughout Ireland was committed by strangers. [National Rape Crisis Statistics 2007, Rape Crisis Network of Ireland Annual Statistics, November 2008]

Day 4: Sexual Violence and Intimate Relationships

Almost one quarter (23.6%) of perpetrators of sexual violence against women as adults are intimate partners or ex-partners. [McGee H et al, Savi Report: Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland, The Liffey Press in Association with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, 2002]

8% of women in Ireland have experienced severe sexual abuse in an intimate relationship.[National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

Since the introduction of legislation to criminalise rape within marriage in 1990 there has only been one successful conviction under this law. [As reported in the Irish Times, ‘Marital Rape Sentence to Stand’, 21st November 2006]

The 16 Days Campaign Continues - Day 4

2008-11-28T10:47:00.001Z

Events continue taking place around the country today. These include:

Nicole Jagusch has organised a domestic violence information stand as part of the Inchicore College Health Day. Nicole will have informational material on domestic violence and the 16 Days campaign, and women's services.
Tacú Family Resource Centre launches an “In Her Shoes” Window Display at the Centre at 10.30am sharp. The launch will be performed by Beverley Flynn, TD. The launch will be followed by a silent walk down to the Bowers for a Lilies Ceremony.
Ringsend Action Project in Dublin 4 will unveil a piece of street art entitled 'The Phone' at 12.30pm.
Ballyspillane Family Resource Centre, Kilarney, Co. Kerry is organising a coffee morning to highlight the issue of Violence against Women and to provide helpful information on support services. All funds raised at the event will be donated to the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline (1800 341 900).
The Inishowen Women's Outreach will be raising funds for the service with bucket collections throughout Inishowen.

Other events which started the first day of the campaign continue today. These include:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

More than 5 Million Join UNIFEM’s Say NO to Violence against Women Campaign

2008-11-27T13:56:00.000Z

A total of 5,066,549 people worldwide have joined UNIFEM’s Say NO to Violence against Women campaign and added their names to a call to make ending violence against women a top priority for governments worldwide. UNIFEM Executive Director Inés Alberdi and UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman presented the signatures to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on 25th November during a ceremony at UN headquarters to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Launched one year ago, the Say NO campaign is an Internet-based awareness raising and advocacy initiative that UNIFEM designed to feed into the campaign of the UN Secretary-General on the same issue.

“I want to thank you for raising your voices,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “Social mobilization is the spark that ignites action. I am delighted that governments, civil society organizations and the private sector have come together through the Say NO initiative.”

“Through Say NO, people in the farthest corners of the world have become engaged. This is a large new constituency that we will continue to involve and mobilize in the years to come,” said UNIFEM Executive Director Inés Alberdi.

“I am delighted to welcome a vast global team of new Goodwill Ambassadors on the issue,” said UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman, who has served as the spokesperson of the campaign. “As long as one in three women and girls may be abused in their lifetimes, violence against women must be everybody’s business.” Violence against women is probably the most pervasive human rights violation. Women are abused at home, trafficked across borders or victim to widespread and systematic sexual violence in conflict.

The Say NO campaign also received high-level governmental support. Heads of State and Ministers representing 60 governments added their names as a public expression of commitment to the issue. More than 600 Parliamentarians from over 70 countries also signed on. “This high-level support for the issue is crucial,” said Inés Alberdi. “Without strong political will, there will be no decisive action,” she added. Ms. Alberdi urged governments to use the momentum created through the Say NO campaign to implement laws and policies to protect women and adopt accountability frameworks with minimal standards of protection and response, including prompt police response, health and legal services, shelters and safe options, national hotlines, an accountable judiciary, and national action plans.

Since resources are urgently needed, the Say NO campaign has also called for support to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women that UNIFEM manages on behalf of the UN system. This fund awards grants to innovative initiatives in the developing world. Since its inception in 1997, it has awarded more than US$40 million in grants to 286 projects in 115 countries. UN Trust Fund grantees have worked to stop human trafficking, put an end to honour killings and provide services for survivors. A particular focus lies on supporting the implementation of laws and policies on violence against women.

The Say NO campaign was developed for UNIFEM on a pro bono basis by the London offices of advertising agency Leo Burnett, with additional pro bono support by Arc, an associated Internet company.

** Photo: UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman addresses a press conference to announce the results of the Say NO to Violence against Women campaign, as UNIFEM Executive Director Inés Alberdi listens. United Nations, New York, 25 November 2008. (Photo: UN Photo/Mark Garten.)

Statement from UNIFEM on International Day Opposing Violence against Women, 2008

2008-11-27T13:50:00.001Z

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – Statement from the Executive Director, Ms. Inés Alberdi, Executive Director, UNIFEM on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November 2008

This year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women marks a defining moment in the global drive to end violence against women. Fuelled by advocacy and action at the grassroots and national levels, the issue has moved to centre stage at the United Nations. In March 2008 the Secretary-General launched his global campaign, UNiTE to End Violence against Women. Its duration through 2015, the deadline for meeting the MDGs, is a challenge for all of us, governments, civil society as well as the international community to take the actions needed to stop this prevalent human rights violation.

On 19 June 2008, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1820, which recognizes sexual violence in situations of armed conflict as a threat to national and international peace and security. The resolution calls for decisive actions by all involved in the conflict to protect women and girls. It calls on international security institutions to make sure that women participate in all aspects of conflict resolution and peacebuilding to ensure there is redress for crimes. Resolution 1820, combined with resolution 1325, form a powerful platform on which to build effective actions to end impunity for violence against women and ensure women’s participation in all aspects of reconstructing institutions and communities.

This 25 November also marks the culmination of the first phase of UNIFEM’s Say NO to Violence against Women campaign, which is part of the Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative. The overwhelming outpouring of support shows us that there is an ever-growing movement of people who urgently seek solutions to ending violence against women.

Now, we must use this momentum to get governments to implement the laws and policies already in place. Despite the fact that more governments than ever have passed such laws, there is still a wide implementation gap. To protect women from violence, and respond to the needs of survivors, we urge the adoption of accountability frameworks, with minimal standards of protection and response. These provide a checklist against which to assess the degree to which a country is upholding the human rights of women.

Among the measures which should be in place are:

Prompt police response, health and legal services, free of charge, for poor women and girls;

Shelters and safe options for women surviving or fleeing life-threatening situations;

National hotlines available 24-hours a day to report abuse and seek protection;

Basic front-line services for emergency and immediate care for women and girls who have suffered abuse and rape;

and accountable judiciary and national action plans to end discrimination and promote equality.

The Secretary-General’s system-wide UNiTE campaign offers a blueprint for implementation and combined action. Partnerships between the United Nations and governments, civil society, the private sector, men and youth, and the religious community show great promise. Between now and 2015 we must all work together to make implementation our top priority.

For more information go to www.unifem.org

The 16 Days Campaign - Day 3

2008-11-27T11:08:00.001Z

Events continue to take place around Ireland today including:

Clondalkin Women's Network will have a film screening of 'Take My Eyes' from 9.30am – 3pm in Aras Chronain, Watery Lane. The screening will be followed by workshops. Lunch will be provided. Limited childcare available. They will also have a community day that day in conjunction with Ronanstown CDP.
The Arklow Community Development Project will have an information stand at the Bridgewater Shopping Centre promoting their leaflet and the Women's Aid Helpline through a display based on the 'Home Truths' theme.

Other events which started on Day 1 of the campaign continue today. These include:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Bray Women's Refuge

2008-11-26T16:17:00.002Z

In support of the 16 Days Campaign Bray Women's Refuge will be carrying out media interviews on local radio. And, on Sunday 30th November, Maria McConalogue, assistant Manager, will be giving the homily at 10 Mass and 12 noon Mass in St. Feargal's Church Bray and will be highlighting domestic violence and Human Rights issues.

For more information email Barbara.

16 Days Event in Co. Laois

2008-11-26T15:52:00.001Z

The Laois Support Service against Domestic Abuse in Portlaoise are hosting a coffee morning on Tuesday 9th December in support of the 16 Days Campaign. They will have an information stand providing information on local and national services for women experiencing domestic violence.

For more information contact Marna Hatton, Laois Support Service Against Domestic Abuse, Parish Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Phone: 057-86 71121

North West Roscommon 'In Her Shoes' Exhibition

2008-11-26T15:22:00.000Z

Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign from 25th November to 10th December.

The “In her shoes” exhibition is an exhibition of 146 pairs of shoes in the name of the 146 women who have been murdered in Ireland since 1996.

The exhibition is located at the retail units alongside Supervalue, Ballaghaderreen.

For further details contact: 094-9862565 .

The 16 Days Campaign in Ireland - Day 2

2008-11-26T08:53:00.002Z

Events continue to take place around Ireland today including:

Women's Aid Political Briefing for members of the Oireachtas, Buswell's Hotel, from 11pm to 2pm.
The North West Inner City Women's Network, Dublin 7 is holding a Pub Quiz tonight to raise awareness for the 16 Days Campaign and to raise funds for Women's Aid. It will be held at the Glimmer Man Pub, 14/15 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 from 8pm onwards. Four people per table and tables cost €25. Contact 01-671 7284 for further information or to buy tickets.
Women’s Aid Dundalk is putting a play stage play called 'Five Kinds of Silence' in Dundalk Town Hall tonight for one night. The Newpoint Players will be performing the this hard hitting play about the effects of domestic violence has on one family and their community. A free matinee will be held in the afternoon for students. The evening show will be open to the public.
Also this morning, Women's Aid Dundalk will have a relaxing morning today with an information stall and an information session about domestic violence, tea, coffee and goodies are available to all. Open to the public and all are welcome.

Other events which started yesterday continue today. These include:

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign.
Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios email campaign
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
The Inishowen Women's Outreach Centre will be be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Women's Aid Public Action outside the Dail, 24th November

2008-11-25T12:35:00.003Z

We here at Women's Aid are delighted with our public action which took place yesterday outside the Dail. We are grateful to the families who were in attendance to support the action and the 16 Days. We are also thankful to our own staff members and other women who weathered the less than ideal conditions to take part.

The images captured in the media send a powerful message about the prevalence of violence against women in Ireland, and its particularly tragic nature and consequences.

The action was covered in all the major print media. A small sampling of links to today's print and broadcast coverage are listed below.

Irish Times

Irish Independent

Six One News

Further images can be found on the blog in the picture gallery.

International Day Opposing Violence against Women starts the 16 Days Campaign

2008-11-25T11:12:00.004Z

Today, 25th November 2008 is the International Day Opposing Violence against Women and the the start of the 16 Days of Action Campaign. In Ireland, national organisations, local community and family resource groups and other supportive organisations and individuals are organising to highlight the violence and abuse that women experience every day in Ireland. Women's Aid will update this site each day with details of events taking place around the country. Please support the 16 Days Campaign - each of us can make a difference and demand an end to violence against women.

16 Days Campaign Events taking place today:

The Women's Aid Home Truths: Think Women's Human Rights - Think Home Campaign starts today. This campaign marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For most of us, Home is a place of love, respect and safety - a sanctuary from the stresses and trials of everyday life. However, for an estimated 213,000 women in Ireland, home is a place where they experience injury, severe abuse, fear and terror. The Women's Aid series of events will bring to light the truth about 'home' for one in five Irish women.

Our Campaign actions include:

The Public action outside Dáil Éireann to launch the 16 Days Campaign and our 'Love Hearts' postcard took place yesterday. We will post photographs and news coverage later on today.
Our 'Love Hearts' postcard awareness campaign is in full swing with over 53,000 cards being distributed around the country. The card aims to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence and of the 16 Days Campaign in Ireland.
Today sees the start of our '16 Facts for 16 Days Email Campaign' - get the latest national and internation statistics delivered to your inbox each day of the campaign. Email comms@womensaid.ie to sign up today.
Tomorrow, we will hold a political briefing in Buswell's Hotel to update TDs and Senators on our current policy concerns.
During the 16 Days Women's Aid are running our direct mail fundraising appeal to raise much needed funds for our National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900. You can donate online here.

Contact Women's Aid on 01-8684721 for more information.

Also happening today:

The Union of Students of Ireland start distributing the Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard and '16 Facts for 16 Days' emails throughout 21 3rd level institutions today. Contact Linda Kelly, Equality Officer on 01-709 9300
Launch of the Westport Family Resource Centre 'In Her Shoes' display in memory of the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996, Westport, Co. Mayo. For more information contact 098-24419 for more information.
Start of the Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign' today. Go to http://www.cwn.ie/ for more information.
Beginning of the Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign. Phone 094-9621690.
Start of the co-ordinated 'In Her Shoes' campaign in Co. Mayo organised by Mayo Women's Support Services and Mayo Rape Crisis Centre. The exhibitions will run in various locations throughout the county including Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet. Phone 094-9377838.
Launch of the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, Galway, 'In Her Shoes' exhibition remembering the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996. Call 093-36446.
Entries for the The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition targeting 12-18 year olds will be on display in Caherciveen from today. Call 066-9473397 for more details.
The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
Ms Liz McManus, TD, will launch of the St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray today. Call Anita on 01-2760376 for details.
Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'. Call 056-23309 for more information.
The Aonad Family Resource Centre in Co. Galway will launch their window display containing 146 pair of women's shoes in memory of women murdered in Ireland since 1996. The exhibition will be in place from today until the end of the campaign. Call Mary on 090-6624484 for more information.
Newbridge Family Resource Centre are launching their 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign today at a coffee morning in Aras Chill Dara, Naas. For more information contact Maeve on 045-438173.
Today also marks the beginning of the Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign which will highlight the lack of resource for domestic violence services including issues arising for women whose first language is not English.
Women's Aid, Dundalk kick off their extensive campaign today will a Day of Action in the Market Square in the town. From 10am-4pm a marquee will be in place featuring an exhibition of children's shoes representing the number of children who have stayed in their refuge this year. Women's Aid Dundalk also launched their schools art exbition yesterday. Phone 042-9333245 for more details.
The Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 started their '16 Days - 16 Scenarios email campaign. To sign up email coord@aoibhneas.org
The Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition featuring work produced by local secondary school children will start today. The event will be launched by Marian Harkin, TD. Call Mary on 074-9129725.
Cope Galway, Waterside House, are having an awareness morning at 10.30am today which will include music by the Corrib String Quartet. Phone (091) 565985.
YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, will launch their 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign today in Fermoy at 4pm today. For more information contact Theresa on 022-53915.
The Wexford Local Area Network will have an awareness raising event today from 11.30am-2.30pm in the Bull Ring in Wexford town. Contact 053-9121200 for more information.
The Southhill Domestic Abuse Project are having their annual big breakfast and pampering day. Contact Wendy on 061-313025.
The Domestic Violence Advocacy Service in Sligo are having the first launch of their new DVAS website and information leaflets, today in the Glasshouse hotel, Sligo. A remembrance service will take place at the end of the launch in memory of women who have died violently since 1996. Phone 071-9141515.
Today sees the launch of Ireland's Steering Committee to Address FGM Action Plan in Dublin today. The event will take place from 10-12pm at the Irish Aid Centre, O'Connell Street.
The FAB Women's Group in Co. Wexford will host an awareness raising morning today. At the event they will release 146 balloons in memory of women murdered in Ireland since 1996. The event will also hear poetry readings and personal stories. Call Anne on 053-9142018.

As you can see, this is a brilliant start to the campaign. Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

The Union of Students in Ireland Supports the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign

2008-11-25T10:40:00.000Z

Over the next 16 days, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) will support the Women’s’ Aid 16 Days of Action Campaign. In addition to circulating the '16 Facts for 16 Days' email campaign to third level students in over 21 colleges in Ireland, USI in conjunction with Women’s Aid will distribute 13,000 Love Heart postcards to college students between now and the 10th of December.

For more information contact Linda Kelly, Equality Officer (equality@usi.ie), Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

National Women's Council of Ireland Supports the 16 Days Campaign

2008-11-24T17:56:00.000Z

The National Women's Council of Ireland issued a press release today supporting the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign and the 16 Days Campaign worldwide. Here is the full text of the statement:

The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) wishes to stand today in solidarity with Women's Aid here in Ireland and with women around theworld at the beginning of the 16 Days of Action Campaign opposing Violence Against Women.

The NWCI supports Women's Aid's 'Home Truths:Think Human Rights, Think Home' campaign, as part of the 16 Days ofAction, which marks the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (December 10th 2008). At the heart of human rights is the simple concept of human dignity.All forms of violence against women and girls must be addressed and understood as basic violations of human rights principles. 'Article 5 of the UDHR states that everyone has the right to live freefrom torture, cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment,' stated Joanna McMinn, Director, NWCI 'and yet today in Ireland, 213,000 women, or one in five, are victims of domestic violence'.

'Sadly, for them, home is not a place of safety and love, but a place of fear, violence, rape, abuse and terror' she continued. 'Women in Ireland continue to face discrimination, violence andinjustice simply because of their gender. The 16 Days of ActionCampaign highlights domestic violence as an abuse of basic human rights.

The NWCI joins with others, at the start of the 16 Days Campaign to say: 'End the abuse of Women's Human Rights : End violence against Women' concluded Ms McMinn.

For further information: Ciara O'Shea, Communications Officer, NWCI, 087-9937663 or 01-87 87 248.

16 Days Events Today

2008-11-24T14:07:00.002Z

Some groups, including Women's Aid are using the eve of the International Day Opposing Violence against Women (25th November) to launch their 16 Days Campaign.

In Dublin, Women's Aid held a public action outside Dáil Éireann and launched our Home Truths Campaign and our Love Hearts public awareness raising postcard.

In Dundalk, the first of the Dundalk Women's Aid events is taking place today. The launch of the school art exhibition and the 16 Days of Action will be held today with a reception this evening. As part of this project, awareness Raising talks will take place in schools to highlight the effects of violence against women and children.

The Donegal Domestic Violence Support Service's Art & Poetry exhibition will be launched today by Marian Harkin MEP at 11am. The DVD "Be Aware" which was produced by Letterkenny Youthreach will also be screened.

16 Days event in Galway, Cope Waterside House

2008-11-24T14:04:00.000Z

Cope Galway, Waterside House are organising the following events to mark the 16 Days Campaign:

They are having an awareness morning in the Town Hall Theatre on Tuesday 25th November at 10.30am. All Local Community have been invited to the event. This morning will consist of the Corrib String Quartet, Singer Mary Mc Partlan, Niamh Hayes, Speaker Centre for Human Rights, NUIG.
They are also running awareness campaigns through the local radio stations and local press.

Email them for more information.

Launch of Longford Women’s Link STOP Report

2008-11-24T13:55:00.001Z

As part of its programme for the 16 Days of Action, Longford Women’s Link will officially launch the evaluation of its STOP Project, “Moulding a Model of Best Practice” on the 9th December in Longford.

From March to December 2007, Longford Women’s Link implemented a project aimed at developing a model of service that would support women experiencing domestic violence to move to economic independence and subsequent freedom from abuse. The four stages of this process are:

1. Crisis management
2. Ensuring the woman’s safety
3. Follow on support
4. Facilitating economic independence

One of the key barriers preventing women leaving an abusive situation is the increased risk of poverty. The project was therefore named Steps to Overcome Poverty (STOP).

The STOP concept therefore looked at providing needs based, integrated domestic violence service, which expanded LWL’s domestic violence service past crisis management into follow-on, post crisis support and the development and delivery of tailored training programmes to prepare women for employment or self employment.

One of the objectives of the project was to ensure that the project learning has a public impact and informs the community in understanding the experience of women, in preventing collusion with abusers and in ensuring that violent men are held accountable. That is why we are having this public launch of the evaluation of the project so that we can share the findings with our community.

The report details the extent of what needs to happen to repair the damage to individual women, old, young migrant, rural, farm women, different women from different backgrounds with one thing in common, an abuser who controls their life through fear. We therefore thought it appropriate to turn the spotlight for a change on the abuser. What motivates him?

To answer this question we have Don Hennessey Director of the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency, who has spent the past twenty years trying to understand the mind of the abuser and hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.

The report will be launched by Eimear Fisher, executive director of COSC, The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.

For more information contact Tess on 043-41511.

Women's Aid Launches the 16 Days Home Truths Campaign

2008-11-24T13:42:00.002Z

Today, Monday 24th November at 11am, outside Dail Eireann, Women's Aid used some of the most potent and traditional symbols of intimate relationships, the wedding dress, bride, and love hearts, to highlight the underside of these relationships for one in every five women in Ireland. Out of five ‘brides’, one held a ‘love heart’ placard reading ‘raped, beaten’.

Speaking outside the Dail, Margaret Martin, Director of Women's Aid said: “We are using the symbol of the wedding dress and the bride, deeply significant symbols of intimate relationships to highlight the darker side of ‘being in love’. While the Women’s Aid Helpline Statistics show that marriage is still the most common context for domestic violence, it is by no means the only context, and many women experience domestic violence at the hands of co-habitees/boyfriends and exes.”

She continued: “However, many of those who experience domestic violence outside the context of marriage cannot avail of legal protection from the violence. For example, in 2007, almost a quarter of calls to the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline were from those being abused by their exes: many of these women cannot avail of protection.”

“The new Civil Partnership Bill provides a wonderful opportunity to extend protection from domestic violence to all those experiencing it. Women’s Aid welcomes the changes to date, but is calling on the Government to ensure that all residency requirements be removed from domestic violence Safety and Protection Orders. This will ensure that those experiencing domestic violence in dating relationships and after separation will be eligible for protection. ”

Women’s Aid used the occassion to also launch our ‘Love Hearts’ Postcard awareness campaign, which features the much loved candy love heart sweets embellished with ‘sweet nothings’. On deeper examination, the ‘sweet nothings’ featured are actually sinister messages full of foreboding and control. The campaign highlights the fear and violence which can often lie under the façade of a loving partner/husband.

The installation and awareness campaigns are part of the Women’s ‘Home Truths Campaign’ which is being launched on the eve of International Day Against Violence Against Women (November 25th) and marks the start of the International 16 Days of Action Campaign against Violence against Women. Groups nationwide are highlighting violence against women during the campaign.

The Home Truths Campaign marks the 60th Anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by highlighting the home as the place where women in Ireland are most vulnerable to human rights abuses.

According to Ms Martin: "When we think of human rights abuses we tend to think of the prisoner of conscience in a distant land or the actions of an oppressive regime. But the type and levels of violence which women in Ireland experience at home, is shockingly similar, from being tied and beaten to denied sleep or food and drink, to regular rapes."

Women’s Aid is a voluntary organisation, which provides information, support and advocates on behalf of women experiencing violence in their own homes. Women’s Aid operates a 12-hour, 7-day National Freephone Helpline Service.

We will post some photographs of the event once we have them. For more information contact Christina on 01-8684721.

16 Days Campaign Update

2008-11-23T18:29:00.001Z

The 16 Days Campaign starts on International Day Against Violence against Women, Tuesday 25th November. However, some events have already taken place.

On 17th November the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre and Mayo Women's Support Services held a flag day to launch their white ribbon awareness campaign.

On 20th November the Clonmel Community Parnership held their coffee morning to raise awareness about domestic violence in the local community.

On 21st November the Open Door Network held a very successful conference in Tralee on the issue of domestic violence and children and the same issue, with a focus on the role of the Gardái, was explored at a conference organised by Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services on Saturday 22nd November.

The next few weeks will be a very busy time for the many groups participating in the 16 Days Campaign. If you can, support an event locally.

Women's Aid will be posting updates each day of the campaign so keep checking the site.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish the very best to all 16 Days organisers - together we can end violence against women.

Westport Family Resource Centre 16 Days Campaign

2008-11-23T18:08:00.000Z

As part of a co-ordinated campaign throughout Co. Mayo, Westport Family & Community Resource Centre are having a window display of the ‘In her Shoes Campaign’ commemorating the 146 women who have been murdered in Ireland since 1996.

The window display will be in the former Westport Furniture shop, Shop Street. It will be launched on Tuesday 25th November at 1.00 p.m. by Martin Keane, Caithaoirleach, Westport Town Council, Mayo Women Support Services and the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre and will remain on display until December 10th.

Westport Family & Community Resource Centre is a member of the Regional Domestic Violence Network made up of Family Resource Centres and Community Development Projects in Mayo and Galway.

They would also like to thank the women of Westport who donated shoes for this exhibition.

For more information contact Marese on 098-24419.

Clondalkin Women's Network and Ronanstown CDP 16 Days Calendar

2008-11-23T17:49:00.001Z

The Ronanstown CDP and Clondalkin Women's Network, Dublin, have organised a series of events to take place during the 16 Days. These are:

Ronanstown CDP’s Light a Candle Campaign: for the second year running Ronanstown CDP is hosting a candle campaign to raise awareness of Violence Against Women in Clondalkin. Last year 17 local organisations took part in the Light a Candle Campaign. This event is to raise awareness of violence against women and remember women who have died. They will also remember the many other women facing violence on a daily basis in their own homes.

They are asking local groups and organisations to light a purple candle and display facts on Violence Against Women each day of the 16 Days starting Tuesday on 25 November until Wednesday 10 December 2008, (a pack will be provided by Ronanstown CDP). For more information contact Pauline on 01-4570687.

Clondalkin Women's Network will have a film screening of 'Take My Eyes' on Thursday 27th November from 9.30am – 3pm in Aras Chronain, Watery Lane. The screening will be followed by workshops. Lunch will be provided. Limited childcare available. They will also have a community day that day in conjunction with Ronanstown CDP>

On 10th December both organisations have organised a 'Women in Black' silent vigil. Women will gather at the SDCC Civic Office and lilies will be laid in remembrance of women killed by violent partners.

Go to http://www.cwn.ie/ for more details.

Castlerea Women Shine a Light in Support of the 16 Days Campaign

2008-11-23T17:37:00.000Z

The Castlerea Women’s Group supported by Roscommon Women’s Network CDP plan to hold an awareness campaign during the 16 Days Campaign. With the support of local businesses, they will be displaying candles and crosses, each representing one of 146 women who have violently in Ireland since 1996.

The shop front displays will also have posters with information on support services for victims of domestic violence. On the evening of 8th of December the candles will be lit at a remembrance service for the 146 women at Roscommon Women’s Network offices. This event will also be an information evening with guest speakers and light refreshments. See local press for more details closer to the time.

For more information contact Roscommon Women’s Network on 094 96 21690 or email them.

Support Pamela, Naomi and Jemima

2008-11-20T17:01:00.000Z

Women's groups and concerned citizens in Sligo and around Ireland are supporting Pamela Izevbekhai and her two daughters Naomi(7) and Jemima (6) as they fight deportation from Ireland back to Nigeria where the two young girls face the danger of female genital mutilation (FGM).

For more on the case and the issue of FGM go to the campaign website: www.letthemstay.org. On the site you will find campaign letters that you can send to the Minister of Justice Mr Dermot Ahern, TD, in support of the family.

For more information you can email the group.

Domestic Violence Information Stand, Inchicore College, Dublin 8

2008-11-20T16:50:00.001Z

Nicole Jagusch, a part-time student at Inchicore College, Dublin 8, is supporting the 16 Days Campaign. She has organised a domestic violence information stand as part of the Health Day on 28th November. Nicole will have informational material on domestic violence and the 16 Days campaign. She will also have information on women's services.

You can email Nicole for more information.

Minister Micheál Martin, TD signs the UNIFEM Say No to Violence Against Women

2008-11-20T11:19:00.000Z

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., added his name to the UNIFEM-sponsored Say NO to Violence against Women campaign in a signing ceremony in Dublin on 17 November 2008. Ireland is one of 55 governments that have signed on to the campaign to date.

At the signing, Minister Martin said, 'This campaign sends a strong message that violence against women is an abuse of human rights, and that ending violence against women should be high on the global agenda. The EU has a vital role to play in this process'.

Eliminating violence against women is a priority in Ireland’s domestic and foreign policy. Ireland is beginning the process of developing its National Action Plan on UN Security Council resolution 1325, informed by a cross-learning process involving Northern Ireland, Timor Leste and Liberia. The Conflict Resolution Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Irish Aid will lead work on this initiative, in consultation with other government departments and civil society.

The UNIFEM-organized Say NO to Violence against Women campaign is a global advocacy and awareness raising effort on ending violence against women, designed to support UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s multi-year UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign.

The UNIFEM initiative aims to demonstrate that there is an ever-growing movement of people who Say NO to violence against women and Say YES to make ending it a top priority for governments everywhere. To date, more than 900,000 people have signed on to the campaign. All signatures collected will be delivered to Mr. Ban on 25 November 2008, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

For information click here.

You can congratulate Minister Martin by contacting him at the Department of Foreign Affairs, 80 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 or telephone 01-4780822.

Photo: Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., added his name to UNIFEM's Say NO to Violence against Women campaign in a signing ceremony in Dublin on 17 November 2008. He is accompanied by Irish National Committee for UNIFEM Vice President Anne Healy (right), and committe member Kate Nolan (left).

'In Her Shoes' Launch, Cork City, 5th December

2008-11-20T11:05:00.001Z

The Cork Domestic Violence Inter-Agency Group, a joint project by statutory and voluntary agencies addressing domestic violence, will launch the 'In Her Shoes' exhibition to remember all of the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996. The launch will take place in the Cork Vision Centre, North Main Street, Cork City on Friday 5th December 2008 at 12pm.

RSVP to 021-4921728.

West Cork Women's Project, Cork

2008-11-20T11:00:00.000Z

The West Cork Women's Project have organised an event as part of the 16 Days Campaign 2008. On Wednesday 10th December 2008 they will launch two new project leaflets in Russian and Polish. The launch will take place at the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen from 11am-1pm.

Contact Patricia Moynihan on 027 53847 for more information.

16 Days Events in Mayo

2008-11-19T15:58:00.001Z

This year, the Mayo Women's Support Services and the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre have a full calendar of events.

21st November marks the start of their White Ribbon Campaign with a Flag Day.

Several installations of the 'In Her Shoes' Exhibition will run from 25th November-10th December 2008 at various venues:

Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar

Ballina Family Resource Centre, Pound Street, Ballina

Westport Family Fesource Centre (094 24419)

Claremorris Family Resource Centre (094 93 77838)
Belmullet Local Area Network (097 20828) (from 28th November

Information sessions will also be a part of the campaign:

8:00 pm, 26th November 2008, Curam Claremorris

9:00 pm, 27th November 2008, The Gateway Hotel, Swinword (organised by Cosgallen C.D.P. 094 92 55070)

To mark the close of the 16 Days Campaign, a Lilies Ritual will be held on 10th December 2008 in Castlebar. Contact the Mayo Women's Support Services for more information (094 90 25409).

Donegal Website & Art Exhibit Launch

2008-11-19T15:46:00.001Z

We blogged earlier about the 16 Days events organised by the Donegal Domestic Violence Service. Click here for details. The DWDVS is also launching their updated website at the Letterkenny Civic Offices on the 24th November.

The Art & Poetry exhibition will be launched this year by Marian Harkin MEP on Monday 24th November 2008 at 11am.

The DVD "Be Aware" which was produced by Letterkenny Youthreach will also be screened.

Contact Mary for further details.

YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project 16 Days Events

2008-11-19T15:44:00.000Z

YANA, The North Cork Domestic Violence Project have chosen the theme of 'Where There is Darkness There is Light' for their 16 Days events.

The 'Where There is Darkness There is Light' campaign will be launched on 25th November in Fermoy. The group will assemble on the bridge in Fermoy at 4pm and place 146 flowers in the river in remembrance of each of the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996. All are welcome.

A training workshop will take place in the Mercy Centre, Mallow on the 4th and 5th December 2008. This training is for frontline workers, gardai, and community service providers. The aims are to highlight the issue of domestic abuse, to create a better understanding of the issue and how to effectively respond.

A bingo evening to raise funds for the project will be held in Woodview Drive Community Centre, Mallow at 3pm on Sunday 7th December 2008.

On the 10th December 2008 a closing ceremony will be held at 3pm in the Square in Mitchelstown. Each of the 146 women murdered in Ireland will be remembered by the project with white balloons released into the Mitchelstown sky. All are welcome.

Contact Theresa on 022-53915 for more information.

'I pledge that my hand will not be raised in violence'

2008-11-19T15:24:00.001Z

A living exhibition is being put on in conjunction with the Open Door Network's Conference (Friday, 21st November). The Hands Up Exhibition will be aimed at young people and run by young people.

It will encourage a commitment to non-violence.

Inchicore Outreach Centre celebrates Freedom From Pornography Day, 4th December

2008-11-19T14:49:00.001Z

The Freedom From Pornography Campaign (FFPC) has designated the 4th of December as Freedom From Pornography Day. The FFPC are inviting people to support the campaign by wearing a purple and pink ribbon on the day. This year the campaign celebrates policy meeting action.

Inchicore Outreach Centre workers, Anita and Kate, will be making ribbons and distributing them with FFPC leaflets to all the Statutary/Voluntary service providers in their local Canals area, Dublin 8.

They will also be giving an input on raising awareness of the harm-based definition of pornography to the Young Women's group in the St. Michael's Estate FRC. The Young Women's group will also join them in making ribbons for Freedom From Pornography Day.

The Inchicore Outreach Centre (IOC) (part of the FRC at St. Michael's Estate, Inchicore, Dublin 8) offers free and confidential support and information to women who are experiencing Emotional, Physical, Financial or Sexual abuse in their lives. The Inchicore Outreach Centre was involved in setting up The Freedom From Pornography Campaign (FFPC) in 2003. The Campaign is a coalition of individuals and groups working on women's human rights issues.

Claremorris FRC "In Her Shoes" Exhibition

2008-11-19T12:14:00.000Z

Claremorris Family Resource Centre will be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition. It will be launched on November 25th at the local Claremorris library, and will remain on display for the 16 Days Campaign.

Claremorris FRC is a member of the regional domestic violence network made up of family resource centres and community development projects.

For this exhibition, Claremorris FRC is working with Mount St. Michael Transition year students, and local FAS and Rural Society Scheme participants.

For further details contact: 094 937 7838.

Solas Family Resource Centre "In Her Shoes" Event

2008-11-19T11:58:00.000Z

Solas Resource Centre are planning to run an event "In Her Shoes". The plan entails collecting 148 pairs of women's shoes, each pair of shoes representing one woman who has been murdered. Each pair of shoes will have a label attached with the name and date of death for each woman who has been murdered.

Solas FRC is requesting your help to make this campaign successful by donating a pair of shoes. They can be dropped in to their centre at: Main Street, Headford, Co. Galway. For further details please call: 093 36446.

Wreath Display, St. Mary's Community Development Project, Limerick

2008-11-18T12:34:00.000Z

Another CDP will be raising awareness of domestic violence by making and displaying a Christmas wreath. The women's group at St. Mary's Community Development Project in King's Island in Limerick plan to remember all of the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996 and to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women by dislpaying a Christmas wreath of their centre.

This will be launched on 4th December.

For more information contact Joan Keehan by email or phone 061-411076.

Wexford Local Area Network on Violence Against Women 16 Days Calendar

2008-11-18T12:23:00.000Z

To mark the 16 Days Campaign, Wexford Local Area Network on Violence Against Women has organised two events this year.

On Tuesday November 25th from 11.30am-2.30pm, there will be an awareness raising event to highlight the issue of domestic violence. This will take place at the Bullring in Wexford Town. Leaflets and information on services provided for women experiencing domestic violence will be distributed on the day. There will also be information on the 16 Days campaign. National and local statistics from the Wexford Women’s Refuge and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Service will also be available.

On Thursday December 4th at 8pm there will be a service in St. Iberius Church Wexford to remember all those women and children who have been affected by domestic violence. The Castlebridge Gospel Choir will provide music on the night. There will also be inputs from organisations that work with women experiencing domestic violence. After the service, light refreshments will be provided. This is a free event that is open to the general public. Please come along and show your solidarity for women who are affected by domestic violence here and abroad.

In addition to this, Wexford Women’s Refuge is hosting an open day in their premises on Distillery Road on Friday December 5th from 10am-5pm. All are welcome.

For further information, please contact Pauline Ennis at tel. 053-9121200

South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Arts Competition

2008-11-18T11:37:00.003Z

South West Kerry Women's Association/Eist Linn is holding an art competition as part of the 16 Days Campaign. Based on the Women's Aid theme of "Home Truths:Think Women's Human Rights-Think Home", all entries will be exhibited and the winners selected during the 16 Days of Action exhibition being held in Caherciveen library on 10th December. The winning entry will also be printed and used for future awareness campaigns.

The competition is open to all 12-18 year olds and posters are to be of A4 in size and of any medium. Prizes include an i-pod nano and vouchers for Roxy records

Closing date for receipt of entries is 17th November 2008 and entries should be sent to S.K.W.A , O'Connell Centre, Carhan Road, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry.

Tacú Family Resource Centre, Co. Mayo

2008-11-18T11:36:00.001Z

To mark the 16 Days of Action opposing Violence against Women Tacú Family Resource Centre, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo are holding two events this year:

- “In her Shoes” Window Display. This project came about in 2006 by West Cork Women Against Violence Project. They have collected 146 shoes from women in this area. Each pair represents one woman who has been murdered in Ireland since 1996 (Women's Aid Female Homicide Media Watch). Each pair of shoes has a label attached. Written on each label is the name and year of death for each woman who has been killed.
- The other event is “The Lilies ritual” where they will have a short ceremony at the Bowers and while reading a poem we will let fresh Lillis flow down the river. Each Lily will represent the women murdered in Ireland since 1996.

The launch of “In Her Shoes” Window Display will take place in the Tacú Family Resource Centre on Friday 28th November at 10.30am sharp. The launch will be performed by Beverly Flynn, TD.

The launch will be followed by a silent walk down to the Bowers led by Beverley where we will have the lilies Ceremony. This will be followed by refreshments in Gannon’s Hotel.

For more information contact Mary Jackson on 094-95 42908 or by email. Tacú Family Resource Centre also have a website - click here.

St. Munchin's Women's Group, Limerick

2008-11-17T13:42:00.000Z

St Munchin's Women's Group in Limierick is marking the 16 Days in their local community. They are currently doing flower arranging classes and will make and display a Christmas wreath outside the community centre. The wreath will wish all the women of St Munchin's parish a happy and peaceful Christmas.

The wreath will be put in place on the final day of the 16 Days Campaign - Wednesday 10th December.

For more information contact Helen Flanagan on 061-328690 or by email.

St. Fergal's Resource Centre's 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign

2008-11-13T10:42:00.001Z

St. Fergal's Resource Centre in Bray is playing it's part in supporting the 16 Days Campaign. They have developed a varied programme to take place for the duration of the campaign. The aim of the "Don't Bring me Flowers" campaign is to highlight the prevalence of violence against women and to show solidarity with activist around the world challenging violence against women as a human rights issue.

Aspects of the campaign include beauty mornings, information talks, 1960s cup cake theme, cookery, nail bar, skin care and angel life path readings.

The campaign will be launched on Tuesday 25th November by Liz McManus TD.

St. Fergal's Resource Centre Women's Issues Services.

St Fergal’s Resource Centre Women’s Issues Services was developed in response to the growing needs of women who require support as a direct result of experiencing domestic violence in their homes. The lack of localised support services for women experiencing domestic violence was identified through consultation with the local community. St Fergal’s believes that by providing a local based women’s issues support services more women will be able to make informed choices.

The aim of this service is to provide a safe environment where women experiencing domestic violence can come and identify a safe course of action. The staff working in this section provide women with factual information on how to obtain court orders, on entitlements such as payments, accommodation etc, this information is gathered from the relevant agencies locally and nationally dealing with the issue of Domestic Violence.

The services works by providing links for the women supporting them to access service such as District and Circuit Court services, Legal Aid, Local Solicitors and Women’s Refuges. In addition the services can ensure women access Counselling both in the project and with other agencies and groups providing supports. Staff working in this section attending training seminars with Women’s Aid and other agencies that have responsibility for information provision.

At a local level our staff have developed working relationships with members of An Garda Siochana, Court staff, Bray women’s refuge and local solicitors with the aim of ensuring clarity around the process of seeking court protection, safety or barring orders. The service is open Monday to Friday, it is free and confidential, staff can also attend court with women who need this type of support. Our women’s issues support worker Dolores Geraghty can be contacted on 01-286 4929 or by just dropping into the Resource Centre at 107 Oldcourt Avenue Bray.

For further information on the 16 Days Campaign contact Anita Carroll on 01-276 0376 or go to www.stfergalscdp.org

16 Days Pub Quiz

2008-11-12T15:14:00.002Z

The North West Inner City Women's Network, Dublin 7 is holding a Pub Quiz on 26th November to raise awareness for the 16 Days Campaign and to raise funds for Women's Aid. It will be held at the Glimmer Man Pub, 14/15 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 from 8pm onwards. Four people per table and tables cost €25. Contact 01-671 7284 for further information or to buy tickets.

New Park Close Family Resource Centre Exhibition

2008-11-12T11:09:00.004Z

This is an image from the 2007 16 Days of Action exhibition in New Park Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny.

This year the centre will be raising awareness about the issue of domestic violence by staging an exhibition entitled 'Secret Life' for the duration of the campaign.

More information is available from Magaret Phelan. Email or phone 056-23309.

Clonmel Community Partnership Event

2008-11-12T11:00:00.000Z

The Clonmel Community Partnership in Co. Tipperary are supporting the 16 Days Campaign this year.

A few days before the launch of the campaign, Thursday 20th November 2008, the Partnership will host a community coffee morning. At the coffee morning they will have literature on domestic violence and supports available and the 16 days campaign. They will also be raising funds for the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline by selling Women's Aid christmas cards at the event.

For more information contact Phyllida Clarke on 052-29616.

16 Women Human Rights Defenders Honoured During the 16 Days

2008-11-12T10:44:00.001Z

Joining the 16 Days of Action Campaign, members of the International Coalition on Women Human Rights Defenders honour 16 women human rights defenders who have endured all risks and dangers to pursue their activism.

Who are women human rights defenders?

Women active in human rights defence who are targeted for who they are as well as those active in the defense of women’s rights who are targeted for what they do. Simply, it pertains to human rights activists who are women, as well as other activists who also defend women’s rights.

In every region of the world, many women human rights defenders - whether they are women, men, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or any other sex - often find their rights violated, enduring different forms and degrees of violence. Perpetrators of the violence are not just those from the State. Many incidents of violence against women human rights defenders have been documented as committed by people from the community and family members who view the work of these women human rights defenders as contradicting social norms.

Aside from the general forms of violence they face together with other defenders such as threats, restriction of freedom of opinion and expression, restriction of association and assembly, arbitrary arrest, abduction, torture or murder, women human rights defenders especially experience sexual assault, rape, or other forms of sexual violence. They face attacks, which specifically target their sexuality as a form of punishment for their advocacy.

Each of these 16 women human rights defenders marks a day of action against violence against women - from November 25, the International Day against Violence against Women until December 10, the International Human Rights Day.

They represent the many other women human rights defenders we honour each November 29, the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day.

On these days and every day, we pay tribute to the courage of all women human rights defenders who risk their lives in defense of their rights, and the rights of others.

For more information on this initiative visit the CWGL website or the International Coaltion of Women's Human Rights Deferenders website.

Aonad Family Resource Centre, Co. Galway

2008-11-12T10:31:00.000Z

The Aonad Family Resource Centre in Ballygar, Co. Galway will be taking part in the 16 Days Campaign again this year. From the 25th November to 10th December they will have a window display containing 146 pair of shoes to represent the number of women murdered in Ireland since 1996. They will also display the Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' statistics each day of the campaign.

On 2nd December they will hold an information evening called '16 Days - In Her Shoes' in the Mattie McDonagh Centre, Ballygar from 7.30pm.

For more information email Mary Naughton or phone 090-6624484.

Domestic Violence Response, Galway.

2008-11-07T13:59:00.000Z

As part of the 16 Days Campaign, Domestic Violence Response, a support service for women experiencing domestic violence based in Oughterard, Co. Galway, will launch their new booklet on 10th December 2008.

The booklet is called 'Life's Real Fairytale' and is produced in conjunction with a local secondary school and looks at the issue teenage dating relationships.

For more information on the event email Angela Spellman or phone her on 091-866740.

'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women', Co. Kildare

2008-11-06T15:46:00.002Z

The Newbridge Family Resource Centre in Co. Kildare are planning to work with other local groups in the Kildare area to mark the 16 Days Campaign in their county. They will have a coffee morning to launch the campaign on Tuesday 25th November in Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas.

At the launch they will invite people to 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women'. They will have a blank canvas on which people can leave a finger or thumb print as a sign of their abhorrance of violence against women. This art piece will then be brought to 16 different locations on each day of the campaign. An information stand at each location with leaflets and posters on the services available for women experiencing domestic violence.

More details will be available on this website closer to the time. In the meantime, you can contact Maeve Errity on 045-438173 or by email.

Southill Domestic Abuse Project

2008-11-05T14:38:00.000Z

The Southill Domestic Abuse Project in Limerick are once again taking part in the 16 Days Campaign.

On the 4th December they will hold a commeration service for all women murdered in Ireland since 1996.

On 25th November the project will have their annual Big Breakfast and Pampering Day.

For more information contact Wendy Goggin, Southill Domestic Abuse Project, Limerick, Tel: 061-313025 or email sdap@eircom.net

Ringsend Action Project 16 Days Campaign

2008-10-30T14:53:00.001Z

Ringsend Action Project in Dublin 4* will create a piece of street art entitled 'The Phone'. This will be unveiled on Friday 28th November at 12.30pm.

The phone will display information on services and Helpline numbers available for people experiencing domestic violence. The campaign will also raise awareness of the lack of funding for domestic violence services.

In particular, it will highlight the issue of the need for interpreters for women who experience domestic violence whose first language is not English.

The piece of street art will highlight these themes and will be in situ for the 16 Days.

Flags from the home towns, cities and countries of the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996 will be on display.

Four churches in the Docklands area have agreed to read out a fact on domestic violence and light a candle during each day of the campaign.

For more information contact Aileen Foran by email or phone 01-6607558.

*The Ringsend Action Project 16 Days Campaign has been funded by Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

Arklow Workshops and Public Awareness Work

2008-10-29T15:36:00.003Z

The Arklow Community Development Project will be holding a workshop for area service providers aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the issue of domestic violence and to challenge myths that surround the issue. The workshop will take place on 4th December, 7-9pm at the Arklow Bay Hotel.

Further promoting awareness of the issue, the CDP will have an information stand at the Bridgewater Shopping Centre on 27th November. It will promote a local leaflet they have produced and the Women's Aid Helpline through a display based on the 'Home Truths' theme. Lastly, the Women's Aid postcard will be distributed locally to community and volunteer organisations, hotels, and other venues.

For more information on any of these events please contact Katy Hughes.

More 16 Days Campaign Packs Available!

2008-10-29T14:55:00.001Z

Additional 16 Days Campaign packs are now available from Women's Aid. If your group would like a few more packs for members, for partner organisations, or for an event, we will do our best to facilitate this need. Please contact us with requests.

Public Commemoration Service and Talk, Dublin 8

2008-10-29T13:40:00.003Z

Vista Community Development Project, Dublin 8, will be holding a commerative service for the Irish women who have tragically lost their lives through domestic violence. The event will include a minute's silence and a candle lighting service.

This will be followed by a talk on domestic violence by Ms. Phil Devereux from the Dublin 12 Domestic Violence Service, to include a public question and answer session. The facilities for private consultation will also be provided. A light lunch will be on offer at the end of the presentation.

The event will be on Monday, 8th December from 10.30am - 12.30pm in Vista CDP, Donore Youth & Community Centre, Donore Avenue, Dublin 8. Please email Alicia Gayson for more information.

16 Days Coffee Morning, Co. Kerry

2008-10-28T17:04:00.001Z

Ballyspillane Family Resource Centre, Kilarney, Co. Kerry is organising a coffee morning to highlight the issue of Violence against Women during the 16 Days Campaign 2008.

This will take place on 28th November in Ballyspillane. There will also be a display of leaflets and relevent infromation at the centre at the event. All funds raised at the event will be donated to the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline (1800 341 900).

In addition, the Family Resource Centre plan to include useful phone contact numbers for women experiencing violence in their Community Newsletter which is circulated in the local community during the month of November .

For more information contact Connie O' Leary, Centre Co-ordinator on 064-35589 or by email.

Nascadh Community Development Project

2008-10-22T13:51:00.003+01:00

Nascadh Community Development Programme, in East Wall, Dublin 3 is planning to take part in the 16 Days for the first time this year. They will be asking the Parish Priest to light 16 candles at the beginning of each mass, and also to explain that it is for the 16 Days. In addition, the CDP will circulate information about domestic violence and the services available for women who experience it in their newsletter. Please email for more information.

16 Days Events in Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan

2008-10-17T13:52:00.001+01:00

The Domestic Violence Advocacy Service for Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan is taking part in this year's 16 Days Campaign.

Their campaign this year is 'Help Her to Tell'. The campaign is targeted at members of the general public and at practitioners and workers in community and statutory agencies. They firmly believe that the silence surrounding the prevalence of domestic violence is still one of the major impediments to women’s safety and that it enables abusers to continue their violence and abuse with impunity.

Helping a woman to break the silence about the violence and abuse she is experiencing is the first step towards supporting her to safety. The DVAS campaign is aimed at informing, supporting and enabling people to support women to tell and to refer women on to frontline support services.

Campaign Actions:

'Help Her to Tell' Poster and Wallet Size leaflet produced to provide people with basic information and guidelines on facilitating and responding positively to women disclosing domestic violence.

Two launches of the new DVAS website and information leaflets, one providing basic information on women's rights and entitlements in Polish and one for practitioners in statutory and community agencies explaining the role of DVAS. The first launch will be held on 25th November in the Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo and the second will take place on 5th December at the Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon.

A remembrance ceremony to remember all those women who have died violently in Ireland since the beginning of 1996 will take at the end of both launches. Both events are open to the public.

Two day training programmes held throughout the 16 Days Campaign entitled, 'Domestic violence - it's everybody's business'. This two-day training programme provides individuals working in a variety of settings with an opportunity to reflect upon and develop ways to identify domestic violence, facilitate disclosure and respond effectively to women at risk.

For further information contact DVAS at 071-9141515 or e-mail them at infodvas@eircom.net .

Volunteers

2008-10-16T15:08:00.001+01:00

Women's Aid has been contacted by a number of people who would like to volunteer their time to the 16 Days Campaign. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to accommodate them this year.

However, if you are planning a Dublin based 16 Days event and could use a few more hands, please email us and we will try to put you in touch.

W.O.V.E Seminar, Dublin

2008-10-16T14:50:00.000+01:00

W.O.V.E (Women Overcoming Violence Effectively) will hold a morning seminar to raise awareness of the work that the organisation carries out. It is targeted at GPs, social workers, staff of A&E departments, Justice, Probation and all front line project staff who women approach in relation to domestic violence.

Date: Wednesday 3rd December 2008
Venue: Sophia Housing, Cork Street, Dublin 1
(Light lunch provided)

Spaces are limited so contact Oliva from W.O.V.E on 085-1620257 for more information or to register.

This seminar is funded by COSC, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services

2008-10-15T15:48:00.001+01:00

Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service (ODVSS) are hosting a conference on 'The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children: the Critical Role of An Garda Síochána and Communication Partners.'

Date: Saturday 22nd November 2008

Time: 10am-1.30pm (registration at 9.30am)

Venue: Goodbody Suite, Tullamore Court Hotel

The impact of domestic abuse on children has received increasing nationa and international attention, but awareness is slow to translate into integrated service responses. This conference is designed to bring together key agencies and interest groups to explore and understand children's experiences of living with domestic abuse and begin to creatively explore opportunities to enhance collaborative, integrated responses.

Speakers at the event are:

Ms Mary Dumigan, Child Psychologist, HSE
Mr Fergus Hogan, Co-ordinator, Centre for Social and Family Research
Superintendent David Bowe, An Garda Síochána
Ms Suzanne Knight, Parent Coach and Training Specialist
Ms Kathleen O'Toole, Chief Inspector, Garda Inspectorate

To reserve at place contact ODVSS by email or telephone 057-9351796.

Launch of Ireland's Plan of Action to Address Female Genital Mutilation

2008-10-15T14:25:00.000+01:00

On 25th November 2008, (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), 15 European countries will be launching 15 Action Plans to address FGM in their respective countries.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that violates the human rights of women and girls, perpetuates negative gender based stereotypes, infringes upon children's rights to special protections and has serious social, health and psychological consequences.

As part of the pan-European initiative, Ireland's National Steering Committee to Address FGM is pleased to invite you to the launch of Ireland's National Plan of Action to Address FGM.

Venue: Irish Aid Centre, 27- 31 O'Connell Street, Dublin 1
Date: 25th November, 2008
Time: 10am - 12pm

The event will be of interest and relevance to legal, health and government professionals aswell as non governmental organisations and community groups.

As places are limited, please confirm your attendance with Meghan Doherty by email before Wednesday 21st November 2008.

Waterford Women's Centre

2008-10-14T13:05:00.003+01:00

Waterford Women's Centre is a Community Development Project that engages and works with women in the Waterford area who experience social, cultural, educational, and economic disadvantage.

The Centre supports women through community development and education and enables and empowers women to create and participate in a more equal and inclusive society.

Their third level community leadership course (Higher Certificate in Community Education and Development accredited by Waterford Institute of Technology) are focusing on modules in Community Arts and Social Analysis with an emphasis on the 16 Days. Their creative exploration and response to the issue of violence against women will be made public during the 16 Days, with venues to be announced.

The Centre will join with the Waterford Local Area Network in the Granary, Waterford to display this work on 5th December. Contact Eleanor Dalton for more information.

FAB Women's Group, Co. Wexford

2008-10-07T10:22:00.000+01:00

The FAB Women's Group at the FAB Community Development Project in Coolcotts, Co. Wexford is participating in the 16 Days Campaign again this year.

On Tuesday 25th November 2008 they will host an awareness morning from 10.30am-12.30pm. This will included the release of 146 balloons in memory of the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996.

The event will also hear personal stories and feature poetry readings.

For more information email Anne Reynolds or phone 053 - 9142018.