Minute’s silence for 107 murdered women
Women’s Aid held a silent vigil outside the Dáil to mark International Day Against Violence Against Women. More than 80% of the women were killed by a man they knew - almost half by a current or former partner.
“The seriousness of the levels of violence against women in Ireland today and the failure of the system to keep women safe cannot be over-emphasised,” said Women’s Aid director Margaret Martin.
“The tragic reality is that women are paying the ultimate price of their lives.”
Among the latest to die violently was mother-of- two Rachel O’Reilly, 32, who was beaten to death in the bedroom of her home near Naul, Co Dublin on October 4.
Research shows almost one in five Irish women suffers domestic violence.
Of the 15,717 calls made to Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in 2003, 3,636 were first-time contacts. Of 18,902 calls made to Women’s Aid helpline last year, the group responded to 12,908. It was unable to respond to almost 6,000 calls due to lack of resources.
Ms Martin criticised the failure to increase public funding for services to women experiencing violence. Despite the high rise in running costs, its services had received no increase in funding since 2002.
“The political will to take this issue seriously must be translated into funding in this year’s Budget,” she said.
“This cutback in funding comes at a time when more and more women are attempting to access services.
“Despite an increase in the number of calls responded to by Women’s Aid national freephone helpline in 2003, there was a 52% rise in the number of calls that could not be answered due to lack of resources.”
Women’s Aid is a voluntary organisation which provides information, support and legal advice on behalf of women suffering violence in their homes.
National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900. 12-hours, seven-days a week.
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