The Mayor of Clare has donated her Mayoral Christmas Card allowance to Clare Haven House in an effort to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse.Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said that domestic violence and abuse reach a peak at Christmas time when levels of stress, alcohol and debt increase. “Raising awareness and encouraging more victims to come forward is vital. We are fortunate enough in Ireland to have a number of services that offer supports to persons affected by domestic abuse and violence. I am delighted to pledge my support to Clare Haven and the Network for the Prevention of Violence against Women, which provide support and refuge to victims of domestic violence,” stated Mayor Taylor Quinn.
She continued, “Christmas is the time of year that brings additional pressures on all families and it is a particularly stark time for men and women living in abusive relationships. Alcohol will be a factor in the severity of the abuse and with greater consumption at Christmas this increases the danger for them.” The Mayor pointed to recent statistics showing that one in five Irish women experience domestic violence. “213,000 Irish women and 88,000 men are currently experiencing domestic violence. It is also estimated that thousands of children are living with and seriously affected by domestic violence. The problem continues to grow but for those affected by it there is a way out,” explained Mayor Taylor Quinn.
She commented, “Domestic Violence Advocacy Services offer numerous suggestions on coping with domestic violence. They include only stepping in to help the person who is being hurt if it means you will not place yourself at risk, talking to someone you trust about what is happening at home, trying to get the person who is being hurt to seek help from organisations such as Women's Aid, Clare Haven Services and Amen, telling a neighbour or calling the emergency services. There are people and agencies out there that are prepared to help so no one victim should ever feel isolated.”
Mayor Taylor Quinn said that members of the public not affected by domestic violence can also play their part in easing the suffering of others. “By volunteering to provide help to these services or donating money towards their day-to-day operations, you will be helping somebody less fortunate than yourself to overcome a traumatic and dangerous situation. This Christmas I would appeal to people to be aware of the local support services that do exist and not to suffer silently,” she concluded.
