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Inishowen senator meets Women's
Aid
01.12.08
ONE in five women in
Ireland are suffering some form of domestic
violence, according to latest statistics.
Inishowen Senator Cecilia Keaveney said the
statistics, outlined last week as part of the 16
Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse, highlighted
the need for legislation in this area.
"The legislative needs were outlined to me again
this week and there are challenges in that for me as
a politician," said Senator Keaveney, who met with
leading represenatives of Women's Aid. |
"I always begin any
conversation on this issue by acknowledging the
great support being given within Inishowen and in
Letterkenny for women who are suffering domestic
violence," said Senator Keaveney.
"The fact that there is help has encouraged women to
deal with the negative situation they find
themselves in. Before they would not have had the
courage to stand up to the abuser and so the abuse
continued.” |
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She acknowledged that
domestic violence took many forms.
"It is not always sexual violence but can take the
form of psychological or financial controlling that
militates against any form of independence for the
women.
"When you read the phrases on the Women's Aid 'love
heart' postcard: 'you are mine'; 'I'm watching you';
'don't say a word'; 'forever mine'; 'you're stupid';
'it's your fault'... they can seem innocent phrases
but are often used by a partner in a very sinister
manner.
"Just because a person is not physically being
struck does not mean they are not being abused."
The Moville-based senator said it was important that
those experiencing abuse realised there is help
available. |
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