Domestic violence exhibition opens as HSE reveals incidence rate

MORE than 1,100 Cork women were victims of domestic violence last year, according to figures released by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

An international poster exhibition will open in the city library tomorrow intended to highlight the shocking levels of abuse suffered by women.

The 365 International Poster Exhibition, featuring posters from more than 30 countries, aims to develop awareness of the occurrence of domestic violence and its impact on those affected.

The posters deal with all aspects of violence against women and children, including domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, drug facilitated sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, prostitution, trafficking, female general mutilation and elder abuse.

Eibhlin Fleming, a social worker with the HSE’s Domestic Violence Unit said: “The key message we want to convey is that there is help and support available. An interagency support group works together to pool resources and expertise in order to help support those who make contact with us.

“An event like this provides us with an opportunity to bring this message to a wider audience.”

Throughout the duration of the exhibition, which runs to December 9, staff from the Cork Domestic Violence Interagency Group will be available to speak to anyone who is affected by any of these issues, or to speak to people who might be concerned about someone.

“No one deserves abuse. Very often, those affected by abuse think it is their fault in some way; it is not, the blame lies squarely with the abusive person. We know how impossible a situation might seem to someone who is being abused but we would urge them to seek help.

“Everyone’s situation is different and the support agencies will try to help people in a professional and compassionate manner,” Pauline Dunne, of the Cuanlee Refuge said.

The exhibition is being hosted by the Cork Domestic Violence Interagency Group (Mná Feasa, HSE Domestic Violence Social Work Services, An Garda Síochána, OSS Cork, Cuanlee Refuge, Good Shepherd Services, Legal Aid Board and Court Services Cork.