Women’s Aid has called for reviews of domestic killings in Ireland after the Femicide Watch 2018 report revealed that nearly nine in every 10 women are killed by a man they know.
The harrowing report also found that over half of women were murdered by their current or former boyfriend, partner or husband (resolved cases) and 61 percent of women were killed in their own homes.
Since records began (1996) 225 women have died violently, an average of 10 women per year. 16 children have tragically died alongside their mothers.
The Women’s National Helpline responds to 50 calls a day. Calls from women from across the country. Women who feel this is their time to speak, women who need urgent help, women who need someone to listen to their fears and concerns. We are at the end of the line 24/7. #WOTYA18 pic.twitter.com/dBBuF8hyQY
— Women's Aid Ireland (@Womens_Aid) October 20, 2018
These figures highlight the urgent need for formal reviews of domestic killings to help protect women and children and save lives.
Ireland is failing to put in place the best prevention strategies for high-risk victims of domestic violence leaving them vulnerable to escalating abuse and, in extreme cases, homicide.
Margaret Martin, Director of Women’s Aid says that fatal violence against women is at the most severe end of the spectrum of domestic abuse:
“When women call Women’s Aid and tell us that they are afraid for their lives, we believe them. We know just how dangerous domestic violence can be. We know where women are killed. We know how women are killed and by whom. It is time to act.”
She added: “Last year over 21,000 contacts were made with Women’s Aid. One death is one too many and we have to do more to help save women and children’s lives. One key initiative that could help immediately is the introduction of a system of Domestic Homicide Reviews.”
Very poignant message this morning. Each candle representing a woman killed, and some children too. Big @Womens_Aid event here at the Rotunda on Breaking The Pattern Of Male Violence #femicide2018 pic.twitter.com/f3WvlxLvrL
— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) November 23, 2018
Ms Martin explained that these reviews must have powers to make and monitor recommendations to improve prevention and risk assessment and risk management strategies by agencies tasked to protect women and children, for example, An Garda Síochána, social workers, HSE and other authorities and specialist domestic violence services.
“Any DHR system must also include the testimony of family members of the woman, her informal community networks including friends and social groups.”
Recommendations from @Womens_Aid #Femicide2018 -including compulsory risk assessments for children, children considered when granting Barring Orders & court experts to assess impact of abuse on children- must be implemented. #BreakthePattern
— Barnardos Ireland (@Barnardos_IRL) November 23, 2018
“We publish our Femicide Watch Report 2018 to pause, and to remember and reflect, on the lives lost to male violence. Women’s Aid stands in solidarity with families, friends and communities of women murdered and with the many women currently living with abuse.”
You can call Women’s Aid 24 hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900.
