Shocking domestic abuse statistics in Newry

NIAMH O Maolain chair of board of directors of WAAD told those in the Canal Court Hotel and Spa about the shocking statics of domestic abuse so close to home and that ELEOS can provide much of the solution, writes Steve Malone.

“Being a woman in Northern Ireland today, it is very hard to stay positive and hard to look to the future and say things will get better when things have gotten worse in the recent past,” said Niamh.

“Last year there were 30,000 incidents of domestic abuse reported to the PSNI. We know that domestic abuse is one of the most under-reported crimes that there is. Of that number, ten percent came from ABC and almost as much again for Newry, Mourne and Down.

“Outside of Belfast we have the highest PSNI domestic risk level in Northern Ireland. Almost 2000 women have been referred to Women’s Aid which is an increase of 72 percent over the past four years. It is an impossible workload for our already overstretched staff. We cannot cope with these numbers.

“In six weeks at least five women in this country have been murdered. Most died in their home, where they should have been safest.

“A woman in Northern Ireland is twice as likely to be murdered by domestic violence compared to women in GB.

“We had 35 women in refuge this year. That’s 35 women who through nothing more than bad luck and misfortune whose lives turned out the way not the way they didn’t quite expect, who when they needed help, who when their spirits, bones and families hand been broken found the strength to reach out for help and they found help and hope at Women’s Aid Armagh and Down.

We could fill the refuge ten times over; 70 women and their children could not gain accommodation refuge because it was already full.

“It is not enough but at least for those 35 women, they were everything.

“Violent men in our community is getting bolder and braver and women are playing with their lives. Our waiting list is growing and funding is insufficient. We have incredible staff that do amazing work and are not paid enough.

“Think about the men, because these are the men that promised the world and then delivered violence and darkness. These men are not monsters, they are here in our community and on our streets and these are men in your workplace, your neighbourhood and friendship groups and maybe the men in our families.

ELEOS at its heart is about dawn of hope. Hope is the only thing that has ever made positive change possible… we can help one woman help her world, one woman at a time. We can help women find their voices.”

Anne Flannagan-Typsie from Women’s Aid Armagh Down said that that there are many ways that businesses can help such as fundraising.

“Fundraise, chose ELOES as your nominated charity, sponsor a particular element of the ELEOS project, donate materials to the construction project, donate funds to help complete parts of the new centre. Equipment. Buy a brick campaign,” said Anne.

“Train with us, we went to establish a culture of education linked to employer wellbeing and engagement by training with us. As employers you are so well placed to spot signs of domestic abuse in your colleagues. Anxiety, lacking motivation, being late, seemingly distracted, always on the phone, so often no-one knows what to say. This must change.

“Volunteer for WAAD. We are actively growing our volunteer base; we have seen the value of work from various backgrounds.

“Partner with us. Domestic abuse affects one in four women, translating that to your workforce, their family and friends and add in children and domestic abuse is at epidemic level.”

Contact Women’s Aid on 02830250765.