CLARE LOCAL AREA NETWORK – Opposing Violence Against Women.
Press release.
We Are Here For You – Now More Than Ever
12 Clare Groups Come Together To Support Women At Risk of Violence in the County
New Protective Services Unit established in Clare dedicated to investigating crimes where children, females and vulnerable members of society are victims of sexual and physical violence.
Twelve organisations, including domestic and sexual violence services, women’s support groups, the Courts, the Gardaí, Clare County Council and men’s support groups among others are coming together this week to launch a uniquely Clare campaign to let women at risk of violence and abuse know that a unified support system is in place and available for them, right here in their community.
Called Now More Than Ever, the new awareness campaign, signified by a Purple Heart, is led by the multi-agency group, Clare Local Area Network opposing Violence against Women. CLAN are asking people to paint or display a purple heart on their windows, to tell survivors of abuse that they are with them and to send a message that they do not tolerate violence in their towns and townlands. Each CLAN agency will place a Purple Heart poster in their window in solidarity with these women. When a woman makes contact with one agency with the Purple Heart, she accesses all agencies in CLAN. Purple Heart posters will also be placed around the county with details of each agency and helplines. Members of the public can also show their support by using and sharing #nowmorethanever
The campaign also coincides with the establishment of the new Clare Divisional Protected Services Unit dedicated to investigating crimes where children, females and vulnerable members of society are victims of sexual and physical violence.
Chairperson of CLAN and Liaison Sergeant for Domestic Abuse, Sergeant Caitriona Holohan said that An Garda Síochána has prioritised domestic and sexual violence throughout the Covid-19 crisis with Operation Faoisimh (Respite). Clare Gardaí have seen a marked increase in emergency phone-calls from victims of domestic abuse, including children exposed to domestic violence. Sergeant Holohan is concerned about the heightened level of aggression associated with many of these incidents.
“Each incident reminds me of the seven women killed in County Clare since 1996, five of whom were murdered by a partner or ex-partner,” she said. “From early in this crisis, we have made domestic and sexual violence a priority concern. We know from other countries who had experienced the pandemic before us that containment could be a serious danger for women living with coercive control and abuse. In collaboration with all of the CLAN agencies, we have helped provide protection and support for many women over the past few months and we will continue this, towards helping to break the cycle of abuse”.
Chief Superintendent Sean Colleran added:
“An Garda Síochána is committed to ensuring the safety of the public and in particular the more vulnerable members of society. We encourage all victims of crime to report the incident to the Gardaí. Our focus will always be on keeping people safe and we recognise the vulnerability of women who experience violence. All victims should take comfort from the fact that when reporting incidents involving violence they will be dealt with professionally and empathically by members of An Garda Síochána.”
He said that the establishment of the Clare Divisional Protected Services Unit in May 2020 confirms An Garda Síochána’s support for investigating crimes where children, females and vulnerable members of society are victims of sexual and physical violence. An Garda Síochána also recognises the vital role played by our partner agencies and the establishment of CLAN reinforces the multi-agency approach adopted in terms of coordinating the support for all victims of women at risk, he added.
Dr. Siobhán O’Connor, Manager of Clare Haven Services highlighted that many women may have been living with intolerable control and abuse over the past two months.
“It is important that women know that we are here and that we can support them to be safe in their own homes, or give emergency refuge if this is what is needed,” she said. “Over the lock-down period, we saw a flurry of activity initially with a 100% increase of families in refuge in comparison to March last year. However, in April, as restrictions became tighter, this halved. Over the lockdown period we had a 20% increase on our helpline calls. Our services have been open and have been operating throughout this crisis and will continue to do so into the future.”
Elaine D’Alton of the Clare Women’s Network, said that as County Clare, like the rest of the country, begins the slow process of opening up following Covid-19 lock-down, it is vital that women know, now more than ever, that when they reach out, support is here.
“We are through the first phase of the lock-down and restrictions are beginning to lift a little,” she said. “Throughout this time there has been focus on the risks of lock-down on women and children living with their abusers. Now, with a little more space and freedom, we want women who may be unsafe in their homes, or who have experienced sexual assault or violence, to know that when they reach out, expert services are here to listen, to believe, to help, to care.”
She said that there was also a worry that women who may have experienced sexual violence over the past few months in particular may not feel that they can report it. Rape crisis services are concerned that women and young girls may have experienced sexual assault and abuse at “illicit” parties or gatherings during the lockdown and that because these events were not meant to have taken place the women may now be afraid to come forward. “Do not be afraid, do not think that you are to blame but do know that we are here to listen to you and to support you,” she said.
The key message from each of the agencies in County Clare is simple, we are here and we are working together for you, she said. If you know someone who is at risk of violence or abuse, we are asking you to make a call for advice and support, find out what you can do to help your friend, your sister, your neighbour. Now more than ever, CLAN needs you to reach in and offer support to a woman who cannot reach out.
The 12 organisations involved in this campaign include:
Clare Women’s Network, Ennis Courts Services, The Citizens’ Information Services, Rape Crisis Midwest, An Garda Síochána, Clare Haven Domestic Violence Services, Clare Mental Health Services, Primary Health Social Work Services, the Probation Services, Money Advice and Budgeting Service, Clare County Council – Homeless Action Team and M.O.V.E – Men Overcoming Violent Emotions.
