Be vigilant for signs of domestic abuse – McFadden

Fine Gael TD for Longford Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has highlighted the importance of everyone being aware of the risk factors for domestic abuse in their homes and communities. Deputy McFadden was speaking after observing the minute’s silence at the Dáil this week for Women’s Aid.

“It is so important that everyone is aware of the risk factors for domestic abuse, as highlighted by Women’s Aid this week with the minute’s silence held at the Dáil to remember the 78 women murdered in Ireland by their partners or ex-partners since 1996. I myself observed the silence in the course of my work in the Dáil, in remembrance of these women and also the 10 children who were murdered alongside their mothers.

“In 2013, there were almost 18,000 incidents of domestic violence disclosed to the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline. In the same year, 575 incidents of sexual abuse were disclosed to Helpline support workers including 201 rapes. In extreme cases domestic abuse can result in death. It is shocking to think that one in every two women murdered is killed by a current or former boyfriend, partner or husband.

“It is crucial that we are all aware of the risk factors in our homes and our communities. A woman you know could be experiencing abuse; we must all be vigilant. Women’s Aid say that risk factors for intimate partner homicide include physical abuse, threats to kill, controlling behaviour, stalking and harassment.  They also emphasise that separation of partners is also a risk factor for escalating violence and is often the most dangerous time for women in abusive relationships.

“We must all keep an eye out for the vulnerable people in our communities. The important point about domestic abuse is that the people at risk are not always obvious. Be vigilant for the risk factors and if you know a victim of domestic abuse needing support they can contact Women’s Aid at 1800 341 900, from 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week.”