SEMINAR TO FOCUS ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE
THE Kavanagh sisters, who were sexually abused by their father during childhood, will be among the speakers at a seminar in Tralee this Thursday.
The Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre has joined forces with other local organisations to organise “Keeping the Conversation Going”, which will be held in Manor West from 10am to 1pm.
The seminar comes amid a strong public campaign against sexual violence in society from the #MeToo campaign.
It will put sexual and domestic violence on the agenda; challenge victim blaming; and send a clear message that survivors will be believed.
Among the speakers for the Kerry conference are Joyce, June and Paula Kavanagh, who have bravely given their accounts of being sexually abused to help others in the same position.
The three sisters have written about their horrific childhood experiences to help themselves and others overcome the traumatic experience.
The conference is part of the ‘16 Days Campaign – Opposing Violence against Women’, which runs until December 10. The international campaign started in 1991 and is an important opportunity to raise awareness and call for changes at an international, national and local level to make women and children safe from abuse.
Delegates will also have a chance to view the award-winning new short film ‘Silence is Golden’, made by four local women which addresses the issue of domestic violence.
Those attending will also be asked to wear a ‘Believe Survivors’ purple ribbon to show that they stand with women during the ‘16 Days’ campaign.
Registration is necessary online at: tokeeptheconversationgoing@