St Mary’s holds colour run to raise awareness about domestic abuse

There was “great fun” had at St Mary’s Secondary School last Friday when almost 200 students participated in a special ‘colour run’ organised by a group of transition year students hoping to raise awareness of the issue of domestic abuse in Ireland.

The event, held by passionate transition year students completing a Young Social Innovators (YSI) project focused on domestic violence, saw dozens of first-year and TY students participate alongside their teachers.

Those who took part each paid an entrance fee into the run and funds raised will go to the Women’s Aid and Men’s Aid charities, which support those who have experienced domestic violence.

Eoin Hilliard, a teacher and YSI guide at St Mary’s, told The Corkman that the event was a huge success which was boosted by sunny afternoon weather.

“Great fun was had by all with a number of students also winning prizes kindly donated by local businesses as part of the group’s fundraising effort,” Mr Hilliard said.

Before the event took place, TY students also listened to the experiences of Ainie Granger, a domestic abuse survivor from Dublin who spoke about the prevalence of domestic abuse in Ireland and what to do if one finds themselves experiencing the issue.

Mr Hilliard said that his YSI students hoped to raise awareness about the issue of domestic abuse and the help available to victims through a number of actions they have taken this year.

Since beginning their project, the transition year students have researched the issue of domestic abuse, spoken to politicians about improving policy on the issue and made a ‘Speak Out’ presentation on their project at Cork City Hall last month.

Last Friday’s talk and colour run marked the “main event” of the students’ project according to Mr Hilliard.

“It’s to help make it socially acceptable to speak up about it and go to the Gardaí and organisations that can prosecute people for it,” the teacher said.

“In Ireland, it’s a problem that hasn’t been at the top of social agendas and political agendas and it should be - that’s what we found through our research.

“Well done to all involved including staff, management and especially the YSI group themselves who spearheaded the initiatives.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, call Women’s Aid on Freephone 1800 34 19 00 (email helpline@ womensaid.ie or see womensaid.ie) or call Men’s Aid Ireland on 01 554 3811 (email hello@ mensaid.ie or see mensaid.ie).