Domestic violence concern ‘not backed with resources’
THE need for an increase in the amount of support given by government to agencies working to provide support to those suffering from domestic violence was raised by Cllr Arthur Gibbons.
He called on the coalition to ‘recognise that while it has continuously name-checked domestic violence as a Covid-19 priority, this has not yet been backed up by the resources and infrastructural modernisation needed by services throughout the country’.
Cllr Gibbons argued that further monies and resources needed to be allocated to support groups and those involved in the sector, particularly given the increased demand due to Covid-19 and people having to remain at home, which has led to an increase in the number of cases of domestic violence, he said.
The motion received the sup
port of Cllr Declan Bree, who said ‘ the number of new victims who have come forward during the lockdown is indicative of the depth of hidden abuse and trauma in this country’.
“In this context, it is clear that adequate funding and resources for services of domestic violence must be allocated by the government so as to ensure services can meet current and growing demands.”
Cllr Marie Casserly took issue with the wording of the motion, which she said it made it look like there was no support available at all.
She said it was important to send out the message that support was available and for those suffering from domestic violence to ‘speak up and speak out.’
Cllr Gibbons said the funding that was there at present was ‘inadequate’ and and that organisations are stretched to the last.
He said the government needed to act and put in place the necessary level of funding.
With reference to your lovely article in last Tuesday’s “Sligo Champion”, I was privileged to have known the lovely and talented Sharon Carleton R. I. P.
She was a very talented young lady in her youth and in later life.
Not alone was she a member of The Sligo Cathedral Choir, but also a member of The Irish Youth Choir and Sligo Orpheus Choir.
Not alone those, but she was also a valued committee member of The Sligo International Choral Festival for a number of years.
May she rest in peace. Sleep well, Sharon!
Yours faithfully,
LAYING the foundations for a successful transition to primary school for children is important. This is achieved by building positive teacher/ child/parent relationships. It’s been shown that where parents and teachers enjoy good communication, the child usually gains in terms of hitting academic targets.
Build a relationship with your child’s school; involve yourself in the school’s parents’ association; get to know teachers and other parents in your child’s school.
At primary school, you can build a relationship by helping in the classroom, going on excursions, working with extracurricular activity and more.
Remember that positivity creates an environment in which your child settles and makes the most of their school experience. That’s worth building relationships for.