80% of victims do not report domestic abuse, says charity

Almost 80% of women who suffer abuse in the home never report it, according to Safe Ireland, the charity that supports women and children experiencing domestic violence.

“Women are being subjected to extraordinary and barbaric acts of violence every day in this country,” said CEO Sharon O’Halloran last night in the wake of the jailing of a man who attacked his girlfriend with sugar-laced boiling water.

“This low level of reporting means that thousands of women are living with a serious threat to their lives, in silence and alone.”

Victim Tara Byrd warned women yesterday to end relationships with violent and possessive men as her former partner, Michael Lynch, was jailed for two and half years — a sentence she regards as too lenient.

“If they feel any man is controlling them or being paranoid, get away from them, it will only get worse,” she said as watched Lynch being led away to prison.

Rape Crisis Network Ireland praised her courage for speaking out.

“We see the levels of control, intimidation, and entitlement that this man held over Tara Byrd,” said Cliona Saidlear of RCNI. “We commend Tara’s statement warning about controlling behaviour in relationships.”

Ms Byrd, of Old Youghal Rd in Cork City, received third-degree burns after Lynch poured boiling water and sugar on her left leg. She had to have a skin graft as a result of her injuries.

She gave the jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court a harrowing account of her ordeal which began after he became jealous of a mutual male friend.

“He put the sugar in the kettle and boiled it. He said if I screamed he would hit me over the head with an iron bar,” she recalled, adding that Lynch refused to call an ambulance which left her in agony all night.

Safe Ireland said more resources are needed to combat this kind of crime.

“Safe Ireland wants to make Ireland the safest country in the world for women and children,” said Ms O’Halloran.

“This can be done, but not without serious leadership and the resources required to meet women’s needs when they are brave enough to speak out.”

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