Campaigners highlight plight of broken families

Up to 20 parents committed suicide over the past year because they were denied access to their children, it was claimed today.

The Unmarried and Separated Fathers/Families of Ireland (USFI) said two of its members took their lives in recent weeks as they could not face another Christmas without seeing their children.

Some 70 campaigners dressed as Santas marched through Dublin city to highlight the plight of separated parents and difficulties in the family law system.

They held a minute’s silence before 20 wreaths were thrown into the River Liffey to remember the three mothers and 17 fathers who committed suicide in the past year.

USFI founder Ray Kelly urged parents who need support to contact them for help on 01 4514295, or via www.usfi.ie, before it is too late.

“Last Christmas we lost four members through suicide and we are trying to prevent that happening again,” he said.

“If someone’s child is taken from them, it is devastating, especially at Christmas.

“We want to reach out to people and tell them there is support.”

The campaigners marched from the Dolphin House Family Law Court to O’Connell Bridge for the annual protest.

Mr Kelly said grandparents, aunts and uncles were among those campaigning alongside mothers and fathers who, for a variety of reasons, are separated from their children.

“People are frustrated at the whole system,” he added.

“They may have financial problems, they might lose their jobs or house and then their children. They are devastated.

“We want to highlight the trauma broken families go through at Christmas time and send a message across the country – let’s make this Christmas about the children.”