by Alan Jacques
WEST Limerick women came together to show their support this week for the 16 Days Campaign to help break the silence around domestic violence.
Staff of West Limerick Resources and members of the Newcastle West community joined staff of the West Limerick Primary Health Care Project for Travellers at a coffee morning as part of the 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women.
Since its inception in 199, more than 5,179 groups in 187 countries have taken part in the campaign. In Ireland last year, more than 140 groups – including the West Limerick Primary Health Care Project for Travellers – took part in the National Balloon Action or organised other events as a show of support.
According to Women’s Aid, one in five women in Ireland experience domestic abuse during their lifetime, and it is estimated that 213,000 women in Ireland are living with severe abuse from their boyfriends, husbands and partners.
Community Health worker, Nora Harty said, “Domestic abuse affects all walks of life, women from different communities, cultures and ethnic groups. It is important that we all play our part in raising awareness about domestic abuse which is the use of physical or emotional force or the threat of physical force, including sexual violence in close adult relationships.”
