Women's Aid Ireland

Women’s Aid is watching with keen interest the UK Government’s landmark decision to make it a criminal offence to publish or possess sexually explicit depictions of strangulation and suffocation (often referred to as "choking") in pornography. This is a vital move that acknowledges the serious real-world harms caused by violent sexual content online. Strangulation is a grave form of violence, frequently used in domestic abuse to control, silence and terrify. It can result in a range of health conditions, including cardiac arrest, stroke, miscarriage, incontinence, seizures, paralysis, speech disorders, and other forms of long-term brain injury. When portrayed in pornography, it sends dangerous and confusing messages to young people about what is acceptable in intimate relationships. The UK’s approach rightly places responsibility on technology platforms to prevent this content from being published and disseminated, rather than on individuals who view it. This is the only meaningful way to address the issue at scale. Platforms must be held accountable for the content they host. In Ireland, while non-fatal strangulation is now a standalone offence, it remains legal to depict it in pornography. We are closely watching developments in the UK and strongly advocate for similar legislative changes here, including the introduction of age verification and content regulation. Women’s Aid has been collaborating with partners to highlight the links between pornography and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and abuse. Our research shows that this content contributes to real-life harm, undermines gender equality, and impacts survivors of abuse. While age verification is important, and must be introduced also, it is not enough. Laws must address the nature of the content itself. We will continue, with others, to examine the strategies behind successful campaigns in other jurisdictions and to learn from the lessons already emerging. The work ahead is vital and needs a whole society approach. https://lnkd.in/eg8wa9XU

🚨 Women's Aid is hiring! 🚨 Are you passionate about creating a safer, more equal Ireland for women? Do you believe in the power of education and advocacy to end domestic violence and abuse? Women’s Aid is currently recruiting for two impactful roles in our Centre for Learning and Practice Development: 🔹 Trainer – Service Providers Programme Design and deliver training to community and voluntary sector professionals, helping them respond effectively to domestic abuse and coercive control. 🔹 Trainer – Employer Engagement Programme Support employers across Ireland in implementing best-practice domestic violence workplace policies, especially in light of new statutory leave entitlements. Both roles offer: - Competitive salaries - Hybrid working options - A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives 📅 Deadline to apply: 5pm, Thursday 27th November 2025 👉 Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eTtBJxM5 #DomesticViolenceAwareness #TrainerJobs #Equality #ZeroTolerance

THIS WEEK | We’re proud to share that our CEO, Sarah Benson, will join 25 other global leaders from 17 countries at the inaugural 'Peace Begins at Home Summit' this Wednesday, October 29th. Hosted by the Center for Partnership Systems, this virtual international event reframes peace as a systems challenge that begins in the home, where we live, love and raise each other. Sarah’s keynote, “Domestic Abuse Is Everyone’s Business,” will highlight the shared responsibility we all have in ending domestic abuse and building safer communities. “Ending domestic abuse is not only the work of organisations or authorities — it is a responsibility we all share.” – Sarah Benson Learn more about the summit and how it’s turning insight into action, and book tickets, here: https://lnkd.in/gDBAutp7 #PeaceBeginsAtHome #DomesticAbuseAwareness #Leadership #EndDomesticAbuse

🚨 Women's Aid is hiring! 🚨 Are you passionate about creating a safer, more equal Ireland for women? Do you believe in the power of education and advocacy to end domestic violence and abuse? Women’s Aid is currently recruiting for two impactful roles in our Centre for Learning and Practice Development: 🔹 Trainer – Service Providers Programme Design and deliver training to community and voluntary sector professionals, helping them respond effectively to domestic abuse and coercive control. 🔹 Trainer – Employer Engagement Programme Support employers across Ireland in implementing best-practice domestic violence workplace policies, especially in light of new statutory leave entitlements. Both roles offer: - Competitive salaries - Hybrid working options - A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives 📅 Deadline to apply: 5pm, Thursday 27th November 2025 👉 Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eTtBJxM5 #DomesticViolenceAwareness #TrainerJobs #Equality #ZeroTolerance

We’re proud to share that our CEO, Sarah Benson, will join 25 other global leaders from 17 countries at the inaugural 'Peace Begins at Home Summit' on October 29th. Hosted by the Center for Partnership Systems, this virtual international event reframes peace as a systems challenge that begins in the home, where we live, love and raise each other. Sarah’s keynote, “Domestic Abuse Is Everyone’s Business,” will highlight the shared responsibility we all have in ending domestic abuse and building safer communities. “Ending domestic abuse is not only the work of organisations or authorities — it is a responsibility we all share.” – Sarah Benson Learn more about the summit and how it’s turning insight into action, and book tickets, here: https://lnkd.in/gDBAutp7 #PeaceBeginsAtHome #DomesticAbuseAwareness #Leadership #EndDomesticAbuse

Women's Aid welcomes the approval of the cabinet today of a proposed Domestic Violence Register of Judgements as a step towards transparency and justice for survivors. Publishing judgements for serious domestic violence offences can help raise public awareness and empower individuals to make choices in relationships. We look forward to reviewing what is being proposed in more detail. We must ensure that this initiative is survivor-victim centred. The process of publishing judgements must be trauma-informed, protect the victim's privacy, and be accompanied by robust support services. The absence of a published judgement does not mean a person poses no risk. Many perpetrators are never convicted, and abusive behaviour often goes unreported. This register must not be seen as a definitive measure of safety, but rather as one tool within a broader framework of prevention and protection. We welcome other aspects of the Bill passed by the cabinet today, which will strengthen our sexual consent laws and enable gardaí to inform schools that a domestic violence incident may have occurred in the child’s home. #EndDomesticAbuse #ZeroTolerance Jim O'Callaghan TD Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

"Domestic relationships should be based on love, respect and trust, not manipulation, abuse and violence." Those were the words of Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring to 21-year-old Niamh Kelly yesterday after her ex-boyfriend was sentenced to 15 and half years for attempting to murder her by stabbing her over 50 times. Niamh waved her anonymity to share the devastating impacts the attack had on her life, but also to share her remarkable story of recovery, and to help prevent this from happening to other women. There have been a number of serious and devastating cases of domestic abuse in the media over the past few days and it is important to highlight these cases to show: 👉 Male violence against women is not rare. 👉 It happens in public, in private, and across all communities. 👉 While support is vital, we must do more, we must change the culture that enables this violence. Niamh also had a powerful message for other women: "Once you see signs that it's getting toxic, you need to go or else you're going to end up being like to yourself in the future, 'I should have got out of there sooner’. "So, get out of that relationship before it gets even worse and if you are struggling, there is help, support, out there that can help you get out of stuff like that." If you are concerned about your relationship or someone you know, please reach out to the Women's Aid 24-hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 or find out more about domestic abuse or use the instant message service at www.womensaid.ie.

“This money has saved my life and allowed me to escape my abusive husband. Without it I wouldn’t have been able to leave.” – Domestic abuse survivor on receiving financial support (Women’s Aid Annual Impact Report 2024). On International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we are highlighting deep links between domestic abuse and poverty. Financial insecurity can trap survivors in unsafe situations, while economic abuse is often used as a tool of control. Domestic abuse can lead to poverty through financial control, job loss and housing instability. Poverty also increases vulnerability to abuse due to limiting options for escape and support. Survivors often face barriers to accessing housing, legal aid and income support. Ending poverty isn’t just about income, it’s about safety, dignity and opportunity. By investing in support services, housing, and prevention programmes, we can break cycles of abuse and empower women to rebuild their lives free from violence. Please remember, you can call Women’s Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900. You can also use our Instant Message Support Service or find our more about domestic violence and abuse on womensaid.ie. #InternationalDayfortheEradicationofPoverty #EndDomesticAbuse #EndPoverty #ZeroTolerance

Women's Aid Ireland welcomes the publication of the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Report on the General Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025. This brings us closer to enacting a new law to remove automatic child guardianship rights from those convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of their child. All of the recommendations Women’s Aid made in our submission on the General Scheme of the Bill are reflected in the report. Some of the key factors included that would make a real difference to families who have experienced the killing of a loved one are: • Recommendation that a legal review is undertaken to examine the mechanisms available to Tusla to determine if there is a legitimate basis to suspend guardianship once a parent/guardian is arrested and charged with the death of the other parent/guardian. • Other parties, such as the child’s relatives, or other public bodies with expertise in the area, should be allowed to apply to the court to remove or suspend guardianship following a conviction, and not restrict this role to Tusla. • There is good and strong emphasis on the best interest of the child and the voice of the child as guiding principles and on how to implement this in various sections of the Bill. • The Committee recommends that consideration is given to including a provision under which a guardian ad litem would be empowered to convey the views of the child and inform the child on recommendations and outcome of proceedings. • Consideration being given to enabling an interim order, which would temporarily remove guardianship immediately upon conviction, until the full order application is resolved. It’s incumbent on us all, including legislators and policymakers, to look at the absolutely devastating fallout of a domestic homicide and who is left behind to pick up the pieces. So many families are left split apart, struggling with the trauma, and they should not have to face additional legal burdens when they are trying to support children to pick up their lives. Women’s Aid will continue to engage and work with all involved in making this Bill become a reality, particularly David French , the brother of Valerie French and her wider family who have fought tirelessly for this change. Valerie, a mother of three, was 41 when she was murdered by her husband in 2019. We look forward to the next steps. You can read Women’s Aid submission to the General Scheme here: https://lnkd.in/erSqbRRJ And you can find the Report on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny here: https://lnkd.in/ewPzYGHa