Domestic violence - A ribbon for change

RECENT days have given us terrible examples of the carnage violence against women and families can cause.

We, as a society, have been far too tolerant of violence against women. Our shameful figures for rape convictions make it impossible to argue otherwise.

In 2009 over 7,500 women used Safe Ireland’s services — an increase of 43% in just two years. Though we might blame the recession and all of the stress that brings for this increase, in our hearts we know that cultural tolerance plays a large part in the increase too.

Yesterday a White Ribbon Campaign was launched to try to change the ambivalence surrounding violence against women. If it succeeds it will bring us a step closer towards being a far better society.