We are obliged to speak out - Domestic violence

Shaneda Daly’s description today of sharing Christmas dinner with a father who routinely abused her, raping her every Christmas Day, is a stomach-churning reminder of the impact this evil violence has on an individual.

The image of a child sitting with of a plate of turkey and ham, maybe wearing a paper party hat, sharing what should be a celebration with the rest of her family while her abusive, rapist father sits in the same room sneering, is more than sobering. It reeks of evil and will resonate with every other victim of domestic violence.

Though domestic violence is tragically a year-round reality for far too many people in this society, especially women, it seems especially odious at this time of year, when we celebrate so much of what is good and loving in our culture.

Shaneda’s story is challenging and harrowing but her message is so powerful that it cannot be ignored. She points out that domestic abuse or sexual terror can only exist if victims, and those aware of their plight, stay silent. She hopes that younger, more assertive and aware generations, will not tolerate what was once brushed under the carpet for the sake of corrupting respectability.

We all, especially our gardaí and justice system, have a profound responsibility in this area, a responsibility we have not always discharged properly. These crimes shame us all and our response must be supportive, unified, and forceful.