Cork is set to mark 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence

IT’S possible that this year’s 16 Days of Action/Activism against gender-based violence feels slightly more hopeful.

The National Women’s Council (NWC) sees the campaign as particularly significant, coming in the wake of the government introducing tougher sentences for violence perpetrated against women.

The NWC strongly welcomes these tougher sentences, alongside the introduction of non-fatal strangulation and stalking as new and stand-alone offences, respectively.

“The government has made a good start with its Zero Tolerance Strategy, and this 16 Days there will be a sharp focus on the implementation of this strategy and government’s plans for the future,” says Ivanna Youtchak, the Coordinator on Violence Against Women with the National Women’s Council. She refers to this year’s 16 Days as a “key moment”.

These tougher sentences form one part of The Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) launched in June of last year, spearheaded by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.

Activists welcome the legislation that sees the maximum sentence for assault causing harm double, the scope of the existing harassment offence widen, and in cases of non-fatal strangulation or suffocation causing serious harm, the introduction of a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment.

Continued Necessity To Tackle Violence

The 16 Days of Activism international campaign commences on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10, Human Rights Day. Launched by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership and feminists from around the world in 1991, it has become a worldwide call for the elimination of gender-based violence (GBV)

Women’s groups across the world will mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with events, social media campaigns and much more.

Here in Ireland, it will be marked at both a national and local level, because as Ivanna Youtchak highlights, continued efforts are absolutely needed to tackle ongoing violence against women in Ireland.

“According to the CSO, one in two women will experience sexual violence over their lifetime. There are 126 incidents of domestic violence reported to gardaí every day. And last year, 12 women died in violent circumstances in Ireland,” she says.

The coordinator believes that this new legislation “sends an important message to society that these forms of abuse constitute serious crimes and will not be tolerated.

“Women everywhere deserve to live a life free from male violence. Not only are offences such as these egregious, but they are often indicators of a broader pattern of violent behaviour towards women.”

Closer to Home

Events will mark the 16 Days of Activism in both Cork city and county.

West Cork Beacon, recently rebranded from the Women Against Violence Project (WCWAVP), are marking the 16-day event by opening another part of what is now a multi-support system in the area.

The name ‘beacon’ was chosen to reflect the safety and guidance offered by the service, as well as linking with the Baltimore Beacon, an iconic image of West Cork.

On the morning of November 30, they will open the West Cork Beacon’s Sexual Violence Support Service. A number of speakers will contribute on the day, addressing the impact of sexual violence on survivors whilst also highlighting the particular barriers and difficulties faced by survivors living in rural communities.

Clonakilty-born Louise O’Neill, author, feminist, and activist on the issues of consent and sexual violence, will give the keynote address. Other speakers include Kirstie Smith, Senior Coordinator with West Cork Child and Family Support Network and Dr John Coulter, Clinical Director with the Sexual Assault Treatment Centre, SIUVH.

According to Sandra Byrne, Coordinator, the new service will “provide much-needed and accessible supports for all survivors of sexual violence including a dedicated Helpline, information, advocacy, garda and court accompaniment and access to specialised counselling.

“Our services are for anyone aged 14 years and over who have experienced sexual abuse in childhood, sexual assault, rape or any other form of sexual violence.

We also provide information and advice to supporters of survivors – friends, family, partners and practitioners. We treat all survivors with respect and dignity and provide a safe space to help them in their recovery.

The need for more robust services in the area is clear. In the period between January and July this year, the number of domestic abuse cases reported to the gardaí increased by 11% on those reported last year.

According to Garda statistics for the region, the numbers of reported rape cases also rose considerably in the same period– from six in 2022 to 10, while figures for reports of sexual assault (not aggravated) dropped from 24 to 18 for 2023.

In Cork City, Mná Feasa is inviting women’s walking and social groups to join them on a reflective walk to show solidarity with women who are and who have experienced domestic violence in their lives. The walk will take place in the Gerry O’Sullivan Park at 11am on November 27. It will be a short walk around the community of Churchfield and Knocknaheeney coming to an end in St Mary’s Campus in Gurranabraher, where participants will be invited back for lunch afterwards.

“We aim to highlight the prevalence of violence against women as a human rights issue. To show solidarity of women around the world organising against violence against women. To work towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women,” said a spokesperson for the project.

Meaning ‘wise woman’, Mná Feasa, set up primarily by survivors of domestic violence, has worked with women in Cork since 1991 providing support.

“We aim to empower women to take back responsibility for their own lives through support, encouragement and the role modelling example provided to them within the project.”

Mná Feasa offers support in a variety of ways such as: a confidential helpline, individual appointments, support groups, schools’ programmes, awareness raising events and public education. The group also accompanies women to courts, garda stations and hospitals.

“We also provide Support Group meetings every Wednesday morning where our helpline staff give non-judgemental support and information to the women who use our service.”

The Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence - also known as GREVIO - recently published its first report on Ireland’s work in this area. The report is a mixed one, underlining that one third of the State lacks specialist shelters for victims of domestic violence.

Nonetheless, The 16 Days Of Activism programme, internationally, nationally, and locally, reminds us of the great work being done in the area of gender-based violence, the necessity to continue it, and the absolute, unending bravery of women.

SUPPORTS;

For support and information members of the public in West Cork are asked to contact the West Cork Beacon’s dedicated helpline number @ 1800 832001 

All are welcome to join the launch of the sexual violence support service and should contact Sandra @ svcoordinator@westcorkwomensproject.ie 

Please contact MnáFeasa for more details on: Helpline 021-4211 757.