We must tackle racism in support services for domestic violence
GPs told researchers they have no pathway to refer domestic violence victims and no role in doing so, despite being the only official many may encounter.
O we are finally having the race talk in Ireland. Given the years of racialised attacks happening all over the country, this was a long time coming. Racialised ideas have remained entrenched in our society due to our lack of willingness to acknowledge their very existence, and the lack of sustained efforts at a societal level to address them.
As a researcher working with domestic violence survivors, my insights specially pertain to the experiences of survivors from minorised backgrounds. These survivors come to the system, often after years of coercion, abuse, and violence, with the hopes of support and freedom. Support in the Irish system comes to a domestic abuse survivor in the form of refuges, legal advice, and Garda support.
