Clare Haven insists greater awareness of the signs and dangers of coercive control can go a long away in combatting domestic abuse.
It comes as the local charity has launched its schedule of events ahead of the annual sixteen days of action on violence against women.
For many, the latter weeks of November bring an air of excitement as thoughts turn to relatively futiile elements such as shopping, socilaising and gifts.
However for those who are the victims of domestic abuse, a deafening silence looms over the added pressure of the festive season.
Clare Haven recorded a major spike in calls to its services during the Winter months and once more this county’s dedicated support service will be partaking in the sixteen days of of action on violence against women campaign.
The programme of events will begin on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and will conclude on December 10th, the International Day for Human Rights.
In just last year, Gardaí have recorded 483 incidents of Coercive Control, and according to Clare Haven this is one of the greatest hidden issues facing women today.
On December 1st, the group will be holding a public awareness campaign at their premises on the Limerick Road, with the aim of showcasing the signs of intimidation and patterns of assault against women.
Director of Services, Dr Siobhán O’Connor says many victims don’t even realise that a crime is being perpetrated against them on a daily basis.
On December 5th, a poignant candelit march will take place from Ennis Garda Station to Ennis Court House to remember all the women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence in Ireland.
Since just January of 2022, this figure is at 19, the highest in the state for this timespan in a decade, however a key component of this year’s campaign is to show that not all violence and trauma is physical.
On Wenesday, December 6th, Barnardos will host ‘The Empower Kids’ webinar at the Woodstock Hotel in Ennis.
TLC Co-ordinator Valerie Gleeson says its vital that children have a voice and are heard.
Those experiencing domestic violence are reminded that Clare Haven Services are available 24/7 by phoning 065-6822435 , while Barnardos can be contacted on 061 493 587.
