One in five women in Ireland are affected by domestic abuse, but a third of that number will never tell anyone what is happening to them, and that heartbreaking statistic needs to change.
That’s the message from Women’s Aid, who earlier this month marked the 20th year of its National Freephone Helpline by launching its new ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ public awareness campaign.
The campaign urges any woman living with domestic abuse to contact the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900. Over 11,000 abused women contacted the helpline in 2011.
Speaking at the start of the campaign, Margaret Martin, Director of Women’s Aid said: “We understand how difficult it is for women experiencing domestic abuse to talk about what is happening. Many women are afraid that they will not be believed or that they will blamed for the abuse. Others struggle to find the words to describe their situation. All too often, women feel alone and isolated, unaware that help is available or unable to make sense of what is being done to them.”
Suffering in silence: One in three victims of abuse will never tell anyone about it
The four week campaign includes radio, online and poster advertising, along with a mail out of information packs to nearly 3,000 professionals who support women affected by domestic abuse and to places where women seek help and information.
RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan spoke in support of the campaign, saying: “I am delighted to support the Women’s Aid ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ campaign urging women to speak up about domestic abuse. I know women are famous for talking to each other about all that life throws at us but in the case of domestic abuse, many women feel unable to tell even their closest family or friends. Others do not even know how to start to describe the terrible abuse they are suffering. But if any woman is feeling isolated, alone and fearful of their boyfriends, partners or husbands, don’t be afraid to call Women’s Aid. They are there to listen to you and to support you. It is a first step to a safer life.”
Ms Martin agreed: “When a woman rings our Helpline the person on the other end of the line will understand her situation, will not judge her and will not tell her what to do. We will listen and support her and all calls are treated in the strictest confidence.”
The Women’s Aid ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ National Public Awareness Campaign runs until 8th October. The campaign is funded by Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (www.cosc.ie).
The Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 is open from 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week and is available, free of charge, throughout the Republic of Ireland.
www.womensaid.ie
