Violence against women and girls affects one in three worldwide – Ní Riada

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has today pledged her support to the White Ribbon Ireland campaign to end violence against women.

Marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Liadh Ní Riada siad:

“Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation. It is a symptom of gender discrimination and inequality, and it must be ended. This violence is not inevitable and the message must go out that prevention is possible and essential.

“The White Ribbon campaign encourages men to take a stand against gender-based violence and is the world’s largest male-led movement to end violence against women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls affects every part of our society, and remains pervasive and underreported. In 2014 16,464 incidents of domestic violence were disclosed to Women’s Aid, and in 2013 2,467 people attended Rape Crisis Centres throughout Ireland for counselling and support.

“The statistics only tell part of the story, with so much violence and abuse going unreported and remaining hidden.

“Supports for women experiencing violence are under sustained pressure following years of funding cuts. Resources for women’s refuges and rape crisis centres have been deal blow after blow by the current government and its predecessor.

“If we as a society are serious about combatting violence against women and girls we need to ensure this area receives immediate attention.”

[ENDS]

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has today pledged her support to the White RibbonIreland campaign to end violence against women.

Marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Liadh Ní Riada siad:

‘Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation. It is a symptom of gender discrimination and inequality, and it must be ended. This violence is not inevitable and the message must go out that prevention is possible and essential.

“The White Ribbon campaign encourages men to take a stand against gender-based violence and is the world’s largest male-led movement to end violence against women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls affects every part of our society, and remains pervasive and underreported. In 2014 16,464 incidents of domestic violence were disclosed to Women’s Aid, and in 2013 2,467 people attended Rape Crisis Centres throughout Ireland for counselling and support.

“The statistics only tell part of the story, with so much violence and abuse going unreported and remaining hidden.

“Supports for women experiencing violence are under sustained pressure following years of funding cuts. Resources for women’s refuges and rape crisis centres have been dealt blow after blow by the current government and its predecessor.

“If we as a society are serious about combatting violence against women and girls we need to ensure this area receives immediate attention.”