Striking posters in exhibition against assault
The Violence Against Women 365 International Poster Exhibition has been put together by Galway Garda Colm Dempsey.
While Garda Dempsey has organised the exhibition in a private capacity, it reflects his professional concern in assisting both male and female victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault.
Like Garda Dempsey the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), which is hosting the exhibition, says violence against women is an issue that needs to be raised constantly so a greater awareness is created.
DRCC chief executive Rosemary Daly described the poster exhibition as spectacular.
“When you see it first you are bombarded by colour. It’s only when you have a closer look that you will see the bleakness and pain underneath,” she said.
Two years ago Garda Dempsey started his collection of 365 posters depicting violence against women and quickly realised it was no easy task.
He was delighted every time a poster arrived at his door and would study it carefully trying to anticipate the impact it would have on the viewer.
He has an exhibition that embraces individuals, agencies and organisations from 53 countries around the world with a combined population of 5.3 billion people.
Garda Dempsey said he was particularly grateful for the support of Tanya Brown, whose sister, Nicole Brown Simpson - O J Simpson’s wife, was murdered.
“Without education and awareness campaigns, women and children of all ages will feel helpless, hopeless and completely alone,” Ms Browne has written on the front of the exhibition’s brochure.
Garda Dempsey hopes people who see the exhibition will be moved by it to do something to support victims of abuse.
“No one deserves to be abused and that is regardless of gender,” he said.
One-in-five women will experience sexual assault and one in five women are the victims of physical abuse by their husband or partner.
The posters are on public display until Sunday.
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