Minute’s silence for victims of domestic violence

A MINUTE’S silence has been called this morning to remember the victims of domestic violence.

At 11am, a candle-lit demonstration will be held outside the Dáil when women’s groups will observe the minute’s reflection.

Dressed in black, they will bring white tiles to remember the 137 women who have been killed in Ireland since 1996.

Of those, 86 tiles will be black to reflect the women who have died in their own homes during that time.

The event is organised by the victims’ advocate group, Women’s Aid, ahead of the launch of the international 16 Days Against Violence Against Women on Sunday.

A statement from the organisation said that although domestic violence is far more prevalent than the female murder rate, the deaths of women, particularly in their own homes, reflect the worst outcome for many people still being abused.

“Of the 137 women murdered in Ireland since 1996, 86 or 3 in every 5 women were murdered in their own homes.

Almost half of all resolved cases of female homicide in Ireland were committed by the husband, ex-husband, partner or ex-partner.”

The women’s homicide statistics have grown by 11 since a similar demonstration was held outside the Dáil last year.

This is despite the establishment of the Cosc office to oversee all aspects of Government policy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence as well as elder abuse.

From Sunday, a series of linked events will be held to mark the international 16 days campaign.

It is the 17th year this has been run and will culminate on International Human Rights’ Day on December 10.

Yesterday Women’s Aid held also held its annual luncheon fundraiser at the Michelin-star l’Ecrivain restaurant in Dublin.

The Heavenly Handbag event showcase also involved a fashion show presented by RTÉ’s Liz O’Kane.

The fashion show was sponsored by Pamela Scott.