Domestic violence ‘cannot be ignored’
Two new videos have been produced with the aim of assisting victims of domestic violence to escape the abuse.
The videos were shown at the launch of the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service’s five year strategy and communications plan last Thursday at the offices of Sligo County Council Chambers at Riverside.
Ann Donegan, Chairperson DVAS and Carmel McNamee, Manager DVAS outlined how domestic violence which affects one in three women with 79% of those experiencing emotional or sexual abuse never reporting this to gardai.
Carmel said:“Domestic violence is everyone’s business and should not be tolerated or ignored.
“Instead, women experiencing domestic violence should be listened to and supported in their decisions.”
The videos, developed and directed by Philip O’Brien of Creation Media were screened to the gathering.
‘Coersive Control’ and ‘Help Her to Tell” featured many local actors and were very well received.
Carmel said: “Coercive Control, which is a pattern of subtle controlling actions which deprive women of their identities and isolate them from family and friends, is now illegal under the 2018 Domestic Violence Act. We are hoping the video will educate people about the subtle abuses which can be financial or psychological in nature”
The second video ‘Help Her To Tell’ is aimed at the frontline health and social care professionals such as G.P’s. and encourages these professions to directly contact DVAS if they have agreement from women experiencing domestic violence.