Leinster Rugby v Cardiff Blues

LEINSTER RUGBY CHARITY AFFILIATE
Women's Aid
For victims of domestic abuse, the
Covid-19 emergency brought new
risks but also opened our eyes to
the dangers faced by thousands
of women and families across
Ireland. As we began the 16 Days
of Action campaign for 2020, we
highlight how we are responding
to victims during the lockdown and
hope to reduce levels of violence
and abuse by engaging with
young people. Sarah Benson, CEO
of Women’s Aid writes:
Within a few short months Covid-19 has
had a huge impact on Irish society. We
are rallying together to minimise risk
and harm to the most vulnerable in our
societies. But what about those for whom
Covid-19 is not the primary risk they face;
for whom the home they have been asked
to retreat to is not a safe one? As society
tries to adjust to a ‘new normal’, somehow
living with Covid-19, we must not forget
those subjected to domestic abuse,
including in younger relationships. Fear,
coercion and violence are used daily as
weapons against thousands of women in
intimate relationships to hurt and control
them.
The Tip of the Iceberg
In 2019, there were 20,763 contacts
made with our services during which
19,258 disclosures of domestic violence
against women were made and 4,791
disclosures of abuse against children.
Women disclosed being beaten,
strangled, burned, raped. They and their
children’s lives were threatened. They told
us about being denied access to the family
income to feed and clothe themselves
and their children and being stalked and
humiliated online.
When the pandemic hit, we worriedly
watched as the rates of domestic violence
soared across the globe. In Ireland, we
saw a 43% increase in calls between the
Sarah Benson
end of March and the end of June to the
24hr National Freephone Helpline.
Trapped with abusers and denied outlets
that may have brought them support
and solace in the face of abuse before,
women were coming up with ingenious
ways to get in touch with us. Women
called from their car, from the garden
shed, from the bathroom with the shower
running. We also saw a 71% increase in
visits to the Women’s Aid website for this
period where information and resources
are available to victims, survivors and
their allies. It is also where our Instant
Messaging Support Service can be
accessed. We know our figures are just
the tip of the iceberg with many victims
unable to reach out for help.
Working on the frontline
during Covid-19
In the midst of this challenge, where the
cracks of Ireland’s response to domestic
abuse were starkly revealed, there was
also hope and positivity.
Our own staff and volunteer team
adapted quickly and flexibly, and came
together to rally for Women’s Aid, for
which I am incredibly thankful. This has
also been a period of partnership and
innovation particularly with, and by, our
colleagues in Safe Ireland, our fellow
specialist domestic and sexual violence
services, and others who have come
together to amplify the voices of victims
and survivors; to propose solutions to ease
their situation and to engage with statutory
services, agencies and government to
progress more effective responses.
We have been part of Government
campaigns delivered in partnership with
specialist services including the Men’s
Development Network who provide
Freephone support to male victims. We’ve
seen proactive Garda operations to
prioritise the domestic abuse response.
There have been initiatives in social
protection and with private businesses to
make access to resources, and protection
From The Ground Up | 72 | www.leinsterrugby.ie