Campaign against violence against women
Launch of Code of Practice on Domestic Violence By DECLAN WEIR
Mid-West women hold numerous events
IN the country, CDPs were deeply involved in the campaign against violence against women. Here’s a sprinkling of the work undertaken to tackle domestic abuse by a handful of CDPs in the country. In many cases, CDPs and other groups network to reach a greater audience. A ‘Pampering Day’ offering treatments such as massage and beauty treatment was held at West Limerick CDP in Abbeyfeale and information was distributed on services for women who may be experiencing domestic violence. On December 7th, the Limerick Local Area Network on Violence Against Women held an Information and Awareness Day in the new St Munchins Community Centre. The day included art, drama and music. On the same day, the 'Don't Say a Word' award-winning play depicting the dynamics of domestic violence was performed in the Millenium Theatre, Limerick. The play was also scheduled to be performed at the Glor Theatre in Ennis, Co. Clare the following night. CDPs were heavily involved in its promotion. Also in Clare, six information leaflets with information on domestic abuse and the nearest available services were launched by the West Clare Women’s Forum. In North Tipperary, the Local Area Network on Violence Against Women also launched two information leaflets for local women. Meanwhile, Cosgallen CDP, in Mayo, organised an awareness-raising event in the Charlestown and Swinford area in conjunction with Mayo Women's Support Services.
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A CODE of Practice on Domestic Violence has been adopted nationwide by both the Community Development Programme and the Family Support Agency. It was launched in Dublin in December by Minister of State, Noel Ahern. The code instructs CDP staff and volunteers about what to do should a victim of domestic violence call at a project. It outlines both internal and external measures that projects should take in responding to domestic abuse and violence. With an estimated one in five women believed to be victims at some stage in their lives, the code is needed. Among its key points are: • Community development responses to violence against women must be developed and implemented in the context of close working relationships with frontline organisations. • Community development responses must seek to identify achievable and measurable goals for its work and be able to demonstrate clear outcomes. • Ownership of responses to violence against women must be at organisation level and requires the involvement of management, workers and volunteers. The violence influenced Tuam Community Development Resource Centre (TCDRC) to commission research into the prevalence of
domestic violence in their area back in 1996, and the issue has been named in their work plan ever since. In 2000, the West’s Community Response to Domestic Violence Network was established, and one of its first tasks was to establish a Code of Practice for projects in the West. The fact that it is being extended throughout the state bodes well. Among the projects (besides Tuam) involved in the Network from the beginning were: Ballybane/Mervue CDP; Galway Travellers Support Group; Kiltimagh CDP; Louisburgh CDP; Pléaráca Teo CDP; and the Regional Support Agency, West Training. Membership has since extended to include more CDPs and the Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in the region. Speaking at the launch, the co-ordinator of Tuam Community Development Resource Centre (TCDRC), Loretta Needham, said: "Our project has worked over many years to raise awareness of the impact of domestic abuse on women and children and the extent to which it exists in local communities. Addressing the issue of violence against women in the community is difficult and challenging work that requires courage, commitment and knowledge." She said ‘breaking the silence’ on the violence against women was most important. The implementation of the Code nationwide is being supported by Women’s Aid.
West Link: Violence against women and poverty A NEW research report - 'Women, Poverty and Violence in the West of Ireland: Exploring Economic Abuse' - is helping women's groups in Mayo and Galway to highlight domestic violence issues. The report was launched earlier this year by Minister Frank Fahey. The women's stories illustrate how abusers take control of and access to financial resources, household budgets and disposable income. The researchers found this is common where violence is taking place in the home. The report was commissioned by the Community Response to Domestic Violence network comprised of CDPs and community groups. Said Loretta Needham, Tuam CDP coordinator: "Many women feel so disempowered and violated by the experience of violence that they are unable to address the problem or confide in family or friends. As a community, we must recognise the woman's need for appropriate supports and services and appreciate that it may be a very long
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time before she is in position to deal effectively with the situation." The report details the stories of women in Mayo and Galway who have been abused and starkly shows the impact domestic violence has on women's and children's lives. Down south, meanwhile, the West Cork Women Against Violence Project held a national conference titled 'Exploring Rural Domestic Violence' in Bantry, Co. Cork, on November 24th. Domestic violence continues to ruin lives. Over the past decade, 111 women have been murdered in Ireland. Where cases have been tried and a conviction gained, 70% of the perpetrators were known to the women and 47% of them were current or former partners/husbands. Over 130 countries take part in the annual 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women. For more information, contact: Tuam CDP, Bishop St., Tuam, Co. Galway. Tel./Fax: 093-25340.
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