More children living with domestic violence

MORE children are being thrown into the firing line when domestic violence is triggered, it has emerged.

Almost half of the 10,000-plus calls made to Women’s Aid last year revealed that children are having to live with domestic violence.

Women’s Aid helpline manager Deirdre Campbell said more women were disclosing that their children were also suffering abuse.

The charity said it was hearing from an increased number of women about more frequent and more severe abuse against them and their children.

“In 15% of the calls, we are told children are being directly abused.

“We hear about children being taken forcibly by the arm out of bed at night or from one room to another; being shouted at; being made to stand in a corner and being slapped in a way that rings of humiliation.

“We hear of children being threatened; being told they will never see their mother again or that she will be killed. There are also threats to kill them or their pets,” she said.

There is also concern that children living in violent households are at greater risk over Christmas.

The charity said women and children are likely to suffer more frequent and severe abuse over Christmas.

“We know that domestic violence is a feature of Irish life throughout the year. However, at this time of year, the extra pressures which are placed on women and their families can exacerbate domestic violence incidents,” said Ms Campbell.

“There are specific ways in which the Christmas period impacts on the way women are abused. Abusive men may be at home more over Christmas or may be drinking more. While alcohol is not responsible for domestic violence, it does act as a disinhibitor for abusive men and this may lead to more violent episodes.

“There can be huge stress around custody arrangements and access to children. Children are threatened with no Santa, no special treats and with not seeing their mother.”

She said many women put up with violence over Christmas for the sake of their children.

“We know anecdotally from our helpline that women work very hard to keep the peace and calm during the Christmas season and the lead up to it, especially if they have children,” said Ms Campbell. “Callers to the helpline tend to seek support to get through the time rather than active ways to escape the violence.”

The warnings come as Women’s Aid fights to maintain its service.

The Women’s Aid helpline (1800 341 900) will remain open all over Christmas from 10am to 10pm seven days a week, except Christmas Day.

* www.womensaid.ie.