Domestic violence charity highlights issue of verbal abuse

Sonas Housing has appealed to women across Ireland to seek help if they are being subjected to verbal and psychological abuse by their partners.

The charity - which offers housing to women and children who have suffered domestic abuse - say the problem of verbal abuse is dangerously overlooked.

The appeal coincides with the launch of their campaign to highlight the destructive effects of verbal abuse in relationships.

“If a woman is experiencing physical abuse she can name what is happening and there are bruises and scars to prove it," said Rachel Mullen, chairperson of Sonas Housing

"Verbal abuse can have a hugely debilitating effect emotionally and psychologically but because of the lack of tangible evidence it can be harder for women to name it or to show its impact.

"No one goes to A&E because they have been humiliated and ridiculed and it’s difficult to file a complaint to the guards to say that your partner isolates you from your friends.”

According to Women’s Aid one in five women experience domestic abuse in Ireland, with this figure considered to be an under-representation given the hidden personal nature of the issue and the fact that, according to the HSE, a woman experiences at least 35 separate incidences of abuse before disclosing to another person.

Sonas Housing operates Viva House, a women’s refuge in Dublin 15, and eight supported housing complexes for women and children homeless because of domestic violence.

The campaign is also supported by Meath Women’s Refuge, which provides crisis accommodation and longer-term housing for women in Navan.