More women contacting domestic abuse helpline over digital abuse

More women, especially younger women, are contacting a domestic abuse helpline about digital abuse.

Women’s Aid is hosting a major conference on digital abuse of women in Dublin tomorrowto put a spotlight on the issue.

The national organisation that supports women experiencing domestic abuse is anxious to address the growing challenge of online and technology abuse.

Women’s Aid director Margaret Martin said more women, especially younger women, were contacting their helpline complaining of dangerous digital abuse.

“We have to start documenting this form of abuse and conducting more research. Hopefully, the conference will be the start of a national conversation on the issue,” said Ms Martin.

Speakers will include Scottish law expert and victim of stalking, Ann Moulds and US law professor and expert on revenge porn and online abuse of women, Dr Mary Anne Franks.

Garda Commissioner Noírín O’Sullivan, will also address the conference that marks the start of the 16 Days of Action Campaign Opposing Violence Against Women.

“With so many young people living their lives through the internet, they have to be protected from the dangers that it brings,” said Ms Martin.

“Our major concern is that it provides an abusive partner with a whole range of new ways to harass and stalk and abuse a partner,” said Ms Martin.

The conference will highlight the prevalence and nature of digital abuse in Ireland, the links between digital abuse and domestic violence and hear how other countries had tackled the crime.

Meanwhile, COPE Galway’s Waterside House, the only 24-hour accessible refuge in the western region, has been unable to accommodate 242 women with 355 children so far this year.

It has blamed a shortage of private rented accommodation for women wanting to move on.