Society must face up to hidden abuse

DISTURBING insights into the level of violence afflicting Irish society are revealed amid reports that pleas for help from women in violent and abusive relationships almost doubled in 2002.

In particular, the glaring face of Christmas misery suffered by families at the hands of violent men is a damning comment on the marked increase of alcohol-related abuse.

According to Women’s Aid, more than 16,000 people called on its services during the year. A post-Christmas flood of telephone calls from distressed women is now pouring into the helpline.