by Bernie English
THE alarming problem of domestic abuse and sexual violence and the services that are there to help are the subject of a consultation exercise to see if those services are doing the job they are supposed to do.
The Speak Up Café initiative is being organised to involve individuals who have been affected by domestic abuse and/or sexual violence to come and tell organisations how services can be improved.
The Speak Up Cafe events are part of a wide range of initiatives undertaken by the Mid West Regional Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women and local agencies during the 16 Days of Action Campaign which begins this month.
The campaign is an international initiative to raise awareness of the reality of domestic abuse and violence and to push for positive change to increase women’s safety.
The Speak Up Cafe is also open to family members and close friends who may be living with or supporting survivors. It is also aimed at those who may not have accessed a service but could have potentially benefited from doing so.
“The Speak Up Cafe model is built on the assumption that people already have within them the wisdom and expertise to advise organisations as to what’s important when dealing with a crisis or on-going problems related to domestic abuse and /or sexual violence.
“The organisers believe that by listening to what the public and service users say is essential if organisations wish to improve services. The changes will make services more relevant, of a higher quality and which staff are proud to provide,” a spokeswoman said.
The Limerick event takes place on November 26 from 11am to 2pm, at the Greenhills Hotel.
Anyone who can’t attend on the day can still make their voice heard by calling free phone 1800 311 511 or complete the on-line survey. For further details see www.midwestvaw.ie / http://mwracvaw.wix.com/speakup-cafe
