Clare Haven is calling for a change in the language used in cases of domestic abuse and homocide.
The Ennis-based support organisation is operating at full capacity and now, its staff say it’s vital to see a turnaround in the how these instances are referred to, in order to change people’s perception of perpetrators.
In 2018 alone, close to 17,000 incidents of domestic violence were recorded in Ireland – and in seven cases, women were killed in their own home.
Five more have died in their homes this year, and Clare Haven is growing increasingly concerned.
They’re unhappy with the public discourse in prominent cases – such as the murder of Clodagh Hawe and her three sons by her husband Alan – saying there have been instances where more focus is placed on the perpetrator and their background, rather than the victims.
Dr Siobhán O’Connor is Client Care Coordinator with Clare Haven.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has commissioned a review, beginning at the end of July, which will look at the issues of familicide and domestic homocide.
The year-long process will also invite public input and aims to address how domestic violence is viewed as a society, how families of victims are supported and how the media reports on these cases.
Sarah Malone is a board member with Clare Haven and says starting the conversation early is vital to avoiding future incidents.
Meanwhile, Clare Haven continues to operate at full capacity, putting a strain on the services they can provide.
Dr O’Connor says in some cases, they’re forced to postpone supporting vulnerable women.
Despite this, they’re encouraging all women and children in a vulnerable position to contact them immediately if they feel in danger.
Clare Haven’s 24-hour confidential helpline can be contacted on 065 68 22 435.
