An advertising campaign has been launched by the government encouraging victims of domestic violence to come forward.
Court is still able to sit throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and can hand out barring orders on those who carry out the acts.
The adverts, which will depict life in a house where domestic abuse takes place, are a joint initiative between 12 organisations including Safe Ireland, Women's Aid, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and two Government departments.
One of the radio ads depicts a mother trying to reassure her child that their effort to hide from their abuser is just a game of ‘Hide and Seek’ while the other features a male victim trying to communicate his plight to the emergency services.
The Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says the law is ready and waiting for those who carry out domestic violence and that it's more important than ever that services are available to those who need it.
Speaking about the campaign he says:
'We would all like if these scenarios were fictitious or exaggerated but sadly, they aren’t. They conjure up a strong sense of the victims feeling trapped. The very place we have all been sent for safety because of COVID-19 – ‘home’ - is anything but safe for some people, and these ads recognise that. However It is vital that victims realise that services are still there and the law is on their side.'
Helplines
Legal Aid Board Helpline 1890 615 200 or 01 646 9600
Women’s Aid Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900
Male Domestic Abuse Advice Line 1800 816 588
Rape Crisis Centre National Helpline 1800 77 8888
Men’s Aid Ireland 01 554 3811
