‘1-in-5 women in abusive relationship’

WOMEN’S Aid is calling for a change in the law to protect women in dating relationships at risk from abusive partners who are not covered by existing legislation.

The organisation, which has worked to address domestic violence for more than 30 years, is concerned for those women who have never lived with their boyfriends and do not meet the strict cohabitation requirements under the Domestic Violence Act.

Women’s Aid director Margaret Martin said that while many women met the strict criteria for domestic violence orders, some women did not.

She pointed out women who are in dating relationships cannot rely on the law to keep them safe from abusive partners.

“For example, a young women in college who is being stalked and abused by her ex-boyfriend months after she has ended the relationship cannot go to court to ask for protection,” she said.

“This is a very serious gap in legislation and one many people are entirely unaware of.”

Ms Martin stressed everyone had the right to safety and freedom from violence.

“Domestic violence legislation needs to change to reflect the reality of 21st century Irish life and we call for the removal of cohabitation requirements,” she said.

And, she stressed, until the law was changed, women in dating relationships experiencing abuse would continue to live in fear.

One such woman is Karen (not her real name) who feels let down by the law that cannot protect her from her abusive ex-boyfriend.

“Now it seems that it is just me, on my own, and that is just the way Jim wants it. I don’t have any peace,” she said.

Ms Martin said it was vital women like Karen were protected.

Yesterday the organisation led a nationwide day of action to highlight the one-in-five women experiencing domestic abuse in Ireland. Thousands of balloons were released to mark the United Nation’s Day Opposing Violence Against Women. As part of the public action outside Leinster House, five women, dressed in black and white, held a bouquet of five balloons — four black and one white, to highlight the level of domestic abuse in Ireland.

It is estimated that 213,000 Irish women suffer severe abuse.

Women’s Aid

Four Ways to Support the 16 Days Campaign

1. Take part in the Women’s Aid online solidarity balloon release by launching your own balloons online at http://www.womensaid.ie/campaigns/16days/onlineballoonrelease/ from now until December 10.

2. Sign up to the 16 Facts for 16 Days email campaign to receive the latest statistics on violence against women and read messages of support for the campaign.

3. Visit the 365 Violence Against Women International Poster Exhibition at the Light House Cinema, Smithfield, Dublin. The collection of over 400 public awareness posters will be on display until December 10.

4. Visit the Women’s Aid 16 Day blog at www.womensaid.ie/16daysblog.

- Visit www.womensaid.ie for more information.