New Blog for the 2009 Campaign

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Women's Aid have moved the 16 Days Blog to wordpress. For information on the 16 Days Campaign 2009 visit www.womensaid.ie/16dayscampaign

Congratulations on a very successful 16 Days Campaign

With the 16 Days having come to a close, we would like to congratulate everyone for the enormous amount of effort put into events all over Ireland this year. This blog has chronicled quite a diverse set of actions by a huge number of groups, which have highlighted both the nature and prevalence of violence against women (VAW). Collectively, these actions raise awareness of the issue of VAW in our local and global societies. Combined with the daily work of participant organisations, the 16 Days has also taken steps towards ending VAW.

If you have any photos from an event you organised or participated in, please email them to comms@womensaid.ie so they can be added to the photo gallery.

Thanks to all who have taken part in the 16 Days. We wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

The 16 Days in Ireland - A Retrospective

If you would like to find out what happened in Ireland on each day of the campaign click on any of the links below:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

For a list of Women's Aid 16 Days events and activities click here.

Centre for Women's Global Leadership International Human Rights Day Statement

CELEBRATING 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE AND THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

As the 2008 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign comes to a close, and as human rights activists celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) would like to remind the world that universal human rights cannot be realized unless women have the right to live free of violence.

Today we want to honor the group of 25 women from around the world who founded the 16 Days in 1991, as well as the hundreds of groups around the world who participated in the 16 Days Campaign this year and the countless individuals who have undertaken acts of courageous activism in defense of rights in the past twelve months.

In 2008, just as in previous years, women from all parts of the globe have defended human rights, peace and social justice on a daily basis. As Charlotte Bunch, Executive Director of CWGL noted, "Because of the content and focus of their advocacy, and sometimes simply because they are women who choose to engage in activism, women continue to be punished and abused by government officials, religious authorities, police, and often by family and community members."

It is not only activists who face a range of violations; women in both the global North and South face un-abating levels of violence, and abuses such as arbitrary imprisonment, torture, forced disappearances, death threats, violations of privacy, and verbal and physical harassment. The entire world should be chagrined that on a global level, one in three women will experience some form of violence in her lifetime. The magnitude of this abuse is inexcusable.

Eighteen years ago, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership hosted its first Women’s Global Leadership Institute on Human Rights and Violence Against Women at Rutgers University in New Jersey. At this meeting, 25 women from all regions of the world created the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, taking it back to their own countries to organize locally.

Everjoice Win of Zimbabwe, now head of the Women’s Rights Program at Action Aid International, was one of those women: "We knew we were creating an extraordinary collaborative international action. We might not have known that 16 Days would take off around the world the way it did, but we knew it was significant and unprecedented." Set to "bookend" November 25th (the International Day Against Violence Against Women) and December 10th (Human Rights Day), 16 Days encompasses Women Human Rights Defenders Day (November 29th), World AIDS Day (December 1), and the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre (December 6). Each of these days provides opportunities that link women around the world in global solidarity.

Since its inception, CWGL has coordinated this international and decentralized annual campaign, providing resources and background materials for use and adaptation by women and organizations all over the world. As Bunch notes, "We are proud that the 16 Days Campaign has taken root in 156 countries, and well over 2000 civil society groups have highlighted women’s creative and strategic anti-violence advocacy. Even governments and UN agencies have adopted this civil society campaign to promote their own anti-violence programming."

In 2008, hundreds of organizations used 16 Days to plan events and call for recognition of women’s right to live free of violence. Organizing themes this year included: ending violence against women, directing resources to gender-based violence advocacy, focusing on violence and experiences of women human rights defenders and strengthening the UN system to better address the human rights of women.

Examples of 2008 16 Days advocacy:

• In India, groups used street plays and road shows to raise awareness about domestic violence in more than 500 towns and villages.


• In Switzerland, unions, women’s organizations, peace organizations, and churches planned a joint calendar of over 50 events, including an exhibit of portraits of 1000 women from around the world.


• In Uganda, one network worked with over 30 African organizations to engage men in dialogues about masculinity and violence.


• In Fiji, one group ran a mobile women’s radio campaign that gives rural women the chance to produce media content.


• In Belize, activists held a Torch Run across the country to bring attention to the intersections between HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.

In marking December 10th, International Human Rights Day, CWGL also notes the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The international Every Human Has Rights – Reclaiming the UDHR international campaign sponsored by "The Elders," a group of influential human rights activists including Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan and Ela Bhatt among others, brought together a range of prominent human rights organizations to highlight a different theme each month throughout the year.

CWGL was proud to be the lead organization of the UDHR60 campaign on women’s issues, with a focus on March, using International Women’s Day, March 8th, as an anchor

As these notable dates pass in 2008, CWGL takes the opportunity to pay tribute to the groups and individuals who challenged human rights abuses throughout the year, and of course, the many women who were victims and survivors of violence. In coming months, with allies and colleagues, we look forward to continuing to commemorate the power and leadership of women in the struggle to defend the human rights of all people.

For more information about the 16 Days Campaign and to see the online calendar of events, visit CWGL’s website. For information about the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition, visit the Defending Women Defending Rights website.

UN Statements on International Human Rights Day

Message of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Day

December 10th marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this historic occasion, we should reaffirm the fundamental principles that its inspired group of framers articulated. In the Universal Declaration they recalled the “disregard and contempt for human rights” that led to actions which “outraged the conscience of mankind” and they heralded the “advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want,” proclaiming this as “the highest aspiration of the common people.”
On this Human Rights Day, we also celebrate the 60 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Drafted amid utter destruction and destitution following the Second World War, the Declaration reflects humanity’s aspirations for a future of prosperity, dignity and peaceful coexistence. Its adoption was a landmark. Today, the Declaration remains a core part of the UN’s very identity. The challenges we face today are as daunting as those that confronted the Declaration’s drafters.

• We face a food emergency and a global financial crisis.
• Humankind’s assault on the natural environment continues.
• There is political repression in too many countries.

And as ever, the most vulnerable continue to be on the frontlines of hardship and abuse.
The luckiest among us, those who are spared the most negative effects of disaster, poverty or instability, cannot turn a blind eye. The cascading effects of abuse and indifference can eventually engulf the entire planet. Rights, and especially their violation, must hold the whole world in solidarity.

On this Human Rights Day, it is my hope that we will all act on our collective responsibility to uphold the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration. We can only honour the towering vision of that inspiring document when its principles are fully applied everywhere, for everyone.

Statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay

December 10th marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this historic occasion, we should reaffirm the fundamental principles that its inspired group of framers articulated. In the Universal Declaration they recalled the “disregard and contempt for human rights” that led to actions which “outraged the conscience of mankind” and they heralded the “advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want,” proclaiming this as “the highest aspiration of the common people.”

The comprehensive vision of the Universal Declaration is a beacon of hope for the future – it contemplates a world with full realization of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights without distinction, a world in which every man, woman and child lives in dignity, free from hunger in a world without violence and discrimination, with the benefits of housing, health care, education and opportunity. This vision represents a global culture of human rights, and it should be a unifying force, within and among all cultures.

The success of human rights work depends on its commitment to truth, with no tolerance for double standards or selective application. We must work for the full implementation of human rights on the ground in a way that affects and improves the lives of the men, women and children who are all entitled, regardless of their race, sex, religion, nationality, property or birth, to realization of each and every right set forth in the Universal Declaration.

Go to the UN website for more information.

16 Facts for 16 Days Email Awareness Campaign - Day 13 to 16

As part of the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign, the '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign started on 25th November and continued until 10th December, the last day of the campaign.

We have posted Day 1 to Day 12 here. Below you will find Day 13 to Day 16, which is the final set of statistics:

Day 16 Domestic Violence and Female Homicide

Since 1996 there have been 146 women murdered in the Republic of Ireland. 92 (63%) of these women were killed in their own homes.
[Women’s Aid Female Homicide Media Watch, August 2008]

107 cases have been resolved. In the resolved cases 53 women (50%) were murdered by a partner or ex-partner. Another 40 women were killed by someone they knew (e.g. brother, son, neighbour). Thus, a total of 93 women (87%) were killed by someone known to them. In all of the resolved cases, 99% of perpetrators were male and 1% was female.
[Women’s Aid Female Homicide Media Watch, August 2008]

40-70% of women who are murdered worldwide are killed by their current or former husband or boyfriend, frequently in the context of an ongoing abusive relationship.
[World Health Organisation, World Report on Violence and Health, 2002]

In the UK between 2001 and 2002, 46% of female homicide victims compared with 5% of male homicide victims were killed by a current or former partner. Over 2 women a week were killed by a former or current partner during this period.
[Flood-Page et al, Crime in England and Wales 2001/2002: Supplementary Volume, Home Office, 2003]

Day 15 Domestic Violence and Gender

1 in 7 women in Ireland compared to 1 in 17 men experience severe domestic violence. Women are over twice as likely as men to have experienced severe physical abuse, seven times more likely to have experienced sexual abuse, and are more likely to experience serious injuries than men.
[National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

90% of the more systematic, persistent and injurious violence that is instrumental in the maintenance of power, is perpetrated by men.
[Kimmel, S., M, Male Victims of Domestic Violence: A Substantive and Methodology Research Review, 2001]

A major study of police reports and crime surveys in the UK, USA and Canada found that between 90 and 97% of perpetrators of violence in intimate relationships are men.
[Dobash and Dobash, Women, Violence and Social Change, 1992]

Day 14 Domestic Violence and Homelessness

In 2006, 1,952 women were accommodated in refuges in Ireland. During the same year, 2,985 children also stayed in refuge.
[2006 Statistics, National Network of Women’s Refuges and Support Services]

In 2003, 26% of women who presented as homeless to the Irish Homeless Persons Unit had become homeless as a result of domestic violence.
[O’Connor & Wilson, Safe Home, Sonas Housing Association Model of Supported Transitional Housing, 2004]

In a survey of 100 homeless women in Dublin domestic violence and inability to find suitable accommodation were the most frequently cited reasons for entry into homelessness.
[Smith, M et al, One Hundred Homeless Women: Health status and health service use of homeless women and their children in Dublin, 2001]

In the UK 38% of families using Shelter's ‘Homelessness to Home’ projects had lost their homes due to domestic violence.
[Jones, A et al Firm Foundations: An Evaluation of Shelter’s Homelessness to Home Services, Shelter, 2002]

Day 13 Young Women and Violence

95% of young women and 84% of young men reported knowing someone who had experienced abuse, violence and harassment ranging from being followed, to being forced to have sex, to being hit by a partner. The persons known were mainly young women.
[Women’s Aid, Teenage Tolerance: The Hidden Lives of Young Irish People, 2001]

1 in 4 young women know someone who was forced to have sex, with over 76% of those known being friends.
[Women’s Aid, Teenage Tolerance: The Hidden Lives of Young Irish People, 2001]

19% of young women and 34% of young men do not think being forced to have sex is rape.
[Women’s Aid, Teenage Tolerance: The Hidden Lives of Young Irish People, 2001]

In the US, nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend had threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a break-up.
[Rennison CM, Welchans S. Intimate partner violence 1993-2001. Washington (DC): Department of Justice (US), Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2003]

Why Statistics?

Women's Aid disseminates key national and international statistics on violence against women via our '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Awarness Campaign. Each day a themed email is sent to thousands of inboxes. The topics include domestic violence and children, domestic violence and sexual violence, domestic violence as a health issue, domestic violence and female homicide and so on.

It is universally acknowledged that statistics are fundamental to understanding the scale of certain issues and also giving them a sense of proportion. They can assist us in our analysis of a particular issue at a given time and can also be used to compare things and make assessments. Statistics can provide factual information on which interpretations and analysis can be based. Finding, compiling and interpreting statistics is also an important aspect of any study or investigation.

The statistics disseminated by Women's Aid come from a varied range of sources including Governments, UN organisations, International and Regional organisations, medical professionals, academic researchers and non-governmental organisations.

If you would like any further information on the campaign please email comms@womensaid.ie

The 16 Days Campaign in Ireland - Day 16

Today, Wednesday 10th December, is the last day of the campaign and there are many events taking place to raise awarness about the issue of violence against women in local communities and to promote services available for women experiencing abuse.

Today:

Northwest Roscommon CDP is holding a coffee morning from 12-1.00pm in Unit B1 Supervalu Shopping Centre. They have been running a 'In her shoes' exhibition throughout the campaign.

The WEB Women's Group are holding one minute's silence and releasing 146 balloons, in memory of all of the women murdered in Ireland since 1996, on the steps of the Holy Redeemer Church, Main Street, Bray, Co.Wicklow. This will take place at 12pm.

The Mayo Rape Crisis Centre will connect with women's organisations in the Global South and around the world to remember all women affected by Gender Based Violence. Today at 10am they are going to connect with some international organisations across the world including two organisations in Swaziland and Botswana both of which work on Gender Based Violence and which they Mayo Rape Crisis Centre and the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland had the privilege of visiting with in their respective countries.

The Laois Branch of Amnesty International Irish Section are holding a candle-lit vigil to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Also tonight they will be hosting Amnesty's 'Small Places Tour' event in Kavanagh's Bar, Portlaoise, from 9 p.m. They will use both events to raise of the issue of violence against women in Ireland and the 16 Days campaign.

The Ronanstown CDP and Clondalkin Women's Network, Dublin, have organised a 'Women in Black' silent vigil. Women will gather at the SDCC Civic Office and lilies will be laid in remembrance of women killed by violent partners.

The West Cork Women's Project are launching two new project leaflets in Russian and Polish. The launch will take place at the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen from 11am-1pm.

Mayo Women's Support Services and the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre will mark the close of the 16 Days Campaign with a Lilies Ritual today in Castlebar.

YANA, The North Cork Domestic Violence Project are holding a closing ceremony at 3pm in the Square in Mitchelstown. Each of the 146 women murdered in Ireland will be remembered by the project with white balloons released into the Mitchelstown sky.

South West Kerry Women's Association/Eist Linn will exhibit the entrants to their "Home Truths:Think Women's Human Rights-Think Home" art competition. The winner will be selected today in the Caherciveen library.

St Munchin's Women's Group in Limierick will be displaying their Christmas wreath made to show solidarity with women suffering domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Response, a support service for women experiencing domestic violence based in Oughterard, Co. Galway, are launching their new booklet today. The booklet is called 'Life's Real Fairytale' and is produced in conjunction with a local secondary school and looks at the issue teenage dating relationships.

Other events which were taking place during the whole campaign conclude today. These include:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Final Day of the 16 Days Campaign in Ireland

Today is International Human Rights Day and the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Throughout the 16 Days of Action Women's Aid has run our 'Home Truths: Think Women's Human Rights - Think Home' campaign. This theme was designed to highlight the fact that home is a place for 1 in 5 Irish women where their human rights are violated. Home, for most of us, is a place of love, respect and safety - a sanctuary from the stresses and trials of every day life. However, for an estimated 213,000 women in Ireland, home is a place where they experience severe abuse, injury, fear and terror.

Article 5 of the UDHR affirms that 'No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.' However, this basic human right is not realised for the many women in Irish society who experience physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands closest to them - their partners or ex-partners. Our series of actions were designed to highlight the truth about home for 1 in 5 Irish women.


The 16 Days campaign was hugely successful and as you can see from all the other blog posts, scores of organisations and individuals took part in the campaign to call for an end to violence against women. Some adopted the Women's Aid theme others chose a specific theme for their own campaign.

Women's Aid would like to thank everyone who supported the campaign.

Ireland 16 Days Campaign - Day 15

Today is the penultimate date of the 16 Days Campaign. Day 15 sees Longford Women’s Link officially launch the evaluation of its STOP Project, “Moulding a Model of Best Practice”.

The report details the extent of what needs to happen to repair the damage to individual women, old, young migrant, rural, farm women, different women from different backgrounds with one thing in common, an abuser who controls their life through fear. They also thought it appropriate to turn the spotlight for a change on the abuser. What motivates him? To answer this question we have Don Hennessey Director of the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency, who has spent the past twenty years trying to understand the mind of the abuser and hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions. The report will be launched by Eimear Fisher, executive director of COSC, The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.

The Laois Support Service against Domestic Abuse in Portlaoise are hosting a coffee morning this morning in support of the 16 Days Campaign. They will have an information stand providing information on local and national services for women experiencing domestic violence.

The Suir Community Development Project in Carrick on Suir, are hosting a a coffee morning in the Nano Nagle Community Resource Centre today at 11am. They are encouraging people to attend the event to show their support for the 16 Days Campaign and to raise awareness of domestic violence locally. A representative from Cuan Saor (Women’s Refuge & Support Service) will be present to give information on the campaign and on the services available to women locally.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

16 Days in Ireland - Day 14

Events continue to take place around the country today, including:

• Tuam Community Development Resource Centre in Co. Galway are holding a Lily Ceremony followed by refreshments, storytelling, song and reflection. The ceremony will remember women who have died due to violence, are being trafficked, are missing, and are experience domestic violence in their own homes.
• The Castlerea Women’s Group supported by Roscommon Women’s Network CDP, with the support of local businesses, will hold a remembrance service for women who have been murdered in Ireland. This event will also be an information evening with guest speakers and light refreshments.
• Vista Community Development Project will be holding a commerative service for the Irish women who have tragically lost their lives through domestic violence. The event will include a minute's silence and a candle lighting service.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

The 16 Days in Ireland - Day 13

Today is Day 13 of the 16 Days Campaign. The Yana North Cork Domestic Violence Project have organised a bingo evening to raise funds for the project in Woodview Drive Community Centre, Mallow at 3pm.

There are 4 days left in the campaign so you still have time to support the events running throughout the 16 Days period (25th November to 10th December):

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Women's Aid 16 Facts for 16 Days Email Campaign Day 9 to Day 12

As part of the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign, the '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign started on 25th November and continues until the last day of the campaign, 10th December. Each day, recipients receive the latest national and international statistics on violence against women delivered straight to their inbox.To sign up email comms@womensaid.ie.

We will be posting the statistics regularly throughout the campaign. Below you'll find day 9 to day 12:

Day 12 Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation

By the end of 2006, Ruhama were aware of 200 women trafficked into Ireland for the purposes of prostitution and had assisted 132 of these women. Of the 132 women 73% originated from Eastern Europe, 21% from Africa, 4% from South America and 2% from Asia. [Ruhama Biennial Report 2005-2006]

Approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders. Approximately 80% of these people are women and girls and up to 50% are minors. The majority of these women and girls are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation. These numbers do not include the millions of people trafficked within their own national borders.[Trafficking in Persons Report, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, US Department of State, June 2007]

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that the annual global profits made from human trafficking for forced commercial sexual exploitation amounts to US$27.8billion.[Forced Labour and Human Trafficking: Estimating the Profits Working Paper, ILO, Geneva, 2005]

Day 11 Domestic Violence: The Obstacles to Leaving

Almost a quarter (22%) of callers to the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline in 2007 disclosed that they were abused by an ex-spouse or partner. The types of abuse disclosed after the relationship has ended included: physical and sexual assaults, stalking, threats to the woman and those she is close to and damage to her new home and property. [Women's Aid National Helpline and Support Services Annual Statistics Report, 2007]

In Making the Links, the single biggest reason why women did not leave violent partners was having nowhere to go (88%). 44% of women cited fear of further violence as the main reason for not leaving. [O’Connor, M, & Kelleher Associates, Making the Links, Women’s Aid, 1995]

Data from 14 of the 18 Women’s Refuges in Ireland showed that in 2003, 2 out of 5 women were refused refuge. 1 in 5 women were refused refuge due to lack of space. [O’Connor, M, & Wilson, N, Safe Home: Sonas Housing Association Model of Supported Transitional Housing, 2004]

30% of victims who disclosed being severely abused said that the abuse continued after the relationship had ended. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

Day 10 The Legal System and Domestic Violence

Only 29% of women who had experienced severe abuse had reported it to An Garda Síochána.[National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

In 2007, there were 11,374 applications for protective orders under the Domestic Violence Act (1996). 3,335 barring orders were applied for and 1,420 were granted. In the same year 1,556 Safety Orders were granted, 296 were refused and 1,707 struck out/withdrawn. 3,235 protection orders were granted whilst 363 were refused and 188 struck out/withdrawn. [Central Statistics Office Court Services Statistics for 2007, July 2008]

The Garda Recorded Crime Statistics Report for 2006 states that there were 1,184 incidents of Breaching Domestic Violence Orders Offences in that year alone. This resulted in 349 convictions. 95% of persons convicted were male and 5% were female. [Central Statistics Office, Garda Recorded Crime Statistics 2003-2006, 2008]

National research carried out in 1999 found that between 1% and 6% of domestic violence offenders in Ireland receive a prison sentence. [Kelleher & O’Connor, Safety and Sanctions, Women’s Aid, 1999]

Day 9 The Economic Cost of Domestic Violence

The estimated economic cost of domestic violence to the Irish economy is €2.2billion a year. This is based on the EU figure that domestic violence costs each member state €555 per citizen annually in policing, health bills, lost productivity and court procedures. [Ahern, TD, Dermot, Minister for Justice, speaking at the International Conference on Domestic Violence, Waterford, May 2008, quoted in ‘Domestic Violence costs the country €2.2bn’, The Irish Examiner, 30.5.08]

The estimated cost of domestic violence homicides of adult women in the UK is stg£112million each year (approx. €135m). That is on average stg£1.1million (approx € 1.32m) per every domestic violence homicide. [Walby, Sylvia, The Economic Cost of Domestic Violence, Women & Equality Unit, 2004]

The total annual cost of domestic violence to the Australian economy in 2002–03 was an estimated AU$8.1 billion (approx. €4.2bn). The largest contributor is pain, suffering and premature mortality, at AU$3.5 billion (approx. €1.8 bn). [The Cost of Domestic Violence to the Australian Economy, A report prepared for the Australian Government's Office of the Status of Women by Access Economics Pty Ltd, Commonwealth of Australia, 2004]

Day 1 to 8 of the email campaign can be found here.

The 16 Days of Action - Day 12

Today, is Day 12 of the 16 Days of Action and also the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre when a gunman shot dead 14 female engineer students for being 'feminists'. Click here to find out more about the massacre.

In Ireland, the 16 Days campaign continues. From 11-4pm today, the Cobh Family Resource Centre in association with Robin Hill Clinic, is having a pampering day. The purpose of this day is to encourage women to take better care of themselves holistically. Individual personalised invitations were sent out.Women will be able to avail of the following workshops/treatments:- What is counselling?- N L P- homeopathy- acupuncture- Massage- Reflexology- Indian Head massage- Reiki- Beauty therapy. The charge of €6.00 will go towards the fund they have in place for their crisis counselling service.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Roscommon CDP 'In Her Shoes' Closing Event

On Wednesday 10th December, the last day of the 16 Days Campaign, Northwest Roscommon CDP is holding a coffee morning from 12-1.00pm in Unit B1 Supervalu Shopping Centre. They have been running a 'In her shoes' exhibition throughout the campaign.

For further details contact: 094 9862565

The 16 Days in Ireland - Day 11

Today, a number of events are taking place around the country, including:

• The Waterford Local Area Network on Violence against Women are holding a commemoration for the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996 at the Granary, Waterford City at 7.30pm.
• The Cork Inter-Agency Group on Domestic Violence will launch their 'In Her Shoes' exhibition at the Cork Vision Centre today at noon.
• Amnesty International in Galway are holding a vigil at 5pm at Lynches Castle in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and later at 7pm they will discuss 'Iraqi Women: Between Sectarian War and American Occupation' in the Freedom cafe, 2-3 Middle Street, Galway.
• YANA, the North Cork Domestic Violence Project are holding a training seminar today at the Mercy Centre in Mallow.
• The Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan) will hold the second launch of their new website and leaflet today in the Landmark Hotel in Carrick on Shannon. There will be a commemoration service for all the women murdered in Ireland since 1996 at the end of the event.
• Waterford Women's Centre will be displaying creative pieces on the theme of violence against women and the 16 Days campaign at the Granary, Waterford.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.
  

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

WEB Women's Group, Bray, Join the 16 Days Campaign

On Wednesday 10th December, Human Rights Day, The WEB Women's Group are holding one minute's silence and releasing 146 balloons, in memory of all of the women murdered in Ireland since 1996, on the steps of the Holy Redeemer Church, Main Street, Bray, Co.Wicklow. This will take place at 12pm.

All are welcome to join them and tea and coffee will be served in the parish hall afterwards.

For more information email Elly Fairbairn.

Support the Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Campaign

The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Campaign is continuing throughout the 16 Days Campaign.

Women's Aid is distributing 53,000 postcards nationwide to raise awareness of domestic violence and to profile the 16 Days campaign nationally and locally. We have been received great feedback about the postcard and most people find it a really effective and strong way to communicate the reality of domestic violence for many Irish women. Some of the feedback includes:

"Very effective at portraying emotional abuse"

"Very subtle but grabs you and gets the message across"
"Brilliant"

"Very attractive to young people"

10,000 cards have been distributed from Women's Aid to politicians, the media, community groups, family resource centres and other key activists, policy makers and interested individuals. Thank you to everyone who has distributed copies of the postcard within your local communities.

13,000 postcards are being distributed by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) throughout the 21 3rd level campuses over the 16 Days. This is a great way to reach young people to highlight the issue of domestic violence and we are delighted to be working with the USI this year.

30,000 postcards are being distributed in Dublin through the Pictureworks advertising company who have postcard racks in 210 venues across the city.

If you'd like to get a copy of postcard some are still available in pubs, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment venues. Pick one up today.

For more information on the Women's Aid 16 Days Campaign contact Christina Sherlock on 01-8684721.

European Women's Lobby Supports the 16 Days Campaign

European policymakers Must Say No to Violence against Women

The European Women’s Lobby and its member organisations mobilise for the 16 days of activism against Violence against Women - starting on the International day against violence against women on 25 November and ending on International Human Rights Day the 10th December.

Across Europe, as well as globally women’s organisations and activists are taking a lead in raising awareness in issues of violence against women, and holding policymakers accountable to end violence against women. Statistics show that one in four or one in five women in Europe have been victims of male violence, and it is one of the most important causes of mortality for women in Europe. Given the enormity of the issue for society as a whole, and the numerous individual lives devastated, the silence surrounding these realities are ever the more unacceptable.

Violence against women is not only a huge important public health issue, and it is also costly for society. Violence against women is also a matter of democracy, human rights and equality. The 16 days of activism this year celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, highlighting that women‟s rights are an integral part of the human rights struggle and that women and girls have a right to grow up free from male violence. Policymakers must do all they can to uphold this basic right if Europe wants to aspire to be a region that respect the fundamental principles of human rights and gender equality.

The European Women‟s Lobby, with its branch EPACVAW (European Policy Action Centre on violence Against Women), calls on European policymakers to:

• Increase EU financial resources to fund activities and organisations working in the field of violence against women
• Establish a one-yearly meeting of EU and national policymakers and NGOs to assess progress and challenges in the work against violence against women
• Declare a European year on zero tolerance against violence against women
• Propose a strong EU policy on violence against women that comprises binding instrument to step up Member States‟ efforts to prevent and combat gender-based violence and ensure protection of women.
• European Parliamentarians to join the UNIFEM lead campaign ''Say no to violence against women‟ by signing the written declaration tabled by Eva-Britt Svensson, Vice chair of the Women‟s right committee.

More info at www.womenlobby.org or contact Colette De Troy @ centre-violence@womenlobby.org

Freedom from Pornography Action Day

Join FfPC to create a pornography free world!

In a press release this morning, Joanne McMinn, Director of the National Women's Council, said, 'Designating today, December 4th, as 'Freedom from Pornography Day' is an important step in the fight against pornography here in Ireland and around the World. Today also allows us to highlight the very harmful effects of pornography and to name it as a violation of women's human rights.

' Research consistently demonstrates that pornography is harmful to the women engaged in it, to women in society generally and to the men who use it. Pornography is harmful because it objectifies, dehumanizes and humiliates women. The sexual assault of women is depicted in
pornography as normal, acceptable and even pleasurable to women'.

' The NWCI supports Freedom from Pornography Day and calls on the
Government today, to protect women's human rights through political
action to address the harm of pornography,' Ms McMinn concluded.

Freedom from Pornography Campaign (FfPC) is asking all people, groups and organisations to designate Thursday, December 4th as a day of action against pornography. The day provides an opportunity to take action against pornography.

FfPC suggests the following actions to assert the Freedom from Pornography agenda on or around the 4th:

• Sporting the Campaign colours by wearing lilac and purple ribbon (the colours of the pornography free movement in Ireland)
• Telling people why you are wearing it and what the campaign is about
• Displaying campaign leaflets in your work place
• Sending leaflets and ribbons to other organisations and individuals explaining the FfPC aims and why it is important for people to join in the campaign for a pornography free world.
• Holding a discussion or eductaion workshop on the harm based definition of pornography

If you or your organisation would like to receive FfPC materials, or if you have participated in any way, please email freedomfpc@eircom.net or ring 086 8723052.

16 Days in Ireland - Day 10

Today, a number of events are taking place around the country, including:

• Amnesty International screens the Invisibles, an award winning series of five short films about human rights, at NUIG in Galway; with speakers from the Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUIG Global Women’s Centre, the Development Education Research Network and Médecins Sans Frontiéres and followed by a panel discussion.
• The Clara Women's Group will be hosting a social eveing in aid of Offaly Domestic Violence Services in the Clara Family Resource Centre on Thursday 4th Decemeber at 8pm.
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project is holding a training workshop for frontline workers, gardai, and community service providers in the Mercy Centre, Mallow on the 4th and 5th December.
• The Freedom From Pornography Campaign (FFPC) has designated the 4th of December as Freedom From Pornography Day. The FFPC are inviting people to support the campaign by wearing a purple and pink ribbon on the day.
• Inchicore Outreach Centre workers will be making ribbons and distributing them with FFPC leaflets to all the Statutary/Voluntary service providers in their local Canals area, Dublin 8.
• The women's group at St. Mary's Community Development Project in King's Island in Limerick are launching the display of a Christmas wreath on their centre to remember all of the 146 women murdered in Ireland since 1996 and to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women.
• Wexford Local Area Network on Violence Against Women has arranged a service in St. Iberius Church Wexford to remember all those women and children who have been affected by domestic violence.
• The Southill Domestic Abuse Project in Limerick will hold a commemoration service for all women murdered in Ireland since 1996.
• The Arklow Community Development Project will be holding a workshop for area service providers aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the issue of domestic violence and to challenge myths that surround the issue.
• Sinn Féin will distribute their postcard on domestic violence this evening outside St. Stephen's Green shopping centre. All are welcome to join with banners or other awareness raising items. Ring Helen on 087 2455519 for more details.

Events which began earlier in the 16 Days continue today, including:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Blog of the Week

The Women's Aid Ireland 16 Days Blog has been made blog of the week over at http://www.irishblogs.ie/. This is a fantasitc site that highlights Irish blogs and blogs with Irish content.

It is great to be listed as blog of the week and we hope that it encourages more people to look at the 16 Days blog and find out more about the campaign and the events taking place around the country.

Thanks to Roger and his team at http://www.irishblogs.ie/

10 minutes at 10am on 10th December 2008 - Connecting Women in Ireland with Women in the Global South

The Mayo Rape Crisis Centre is using the 16 Days Campaign to connect with with women's organisations in the Global South and around the world to remember all women affected by Gender Based Violence.

On 10th December at 10am (Irish time) they are going to connect with some international organisations across the world including two organisations in Swaziland and Botswana both of which work on Gender Based Violence and which they Mayo Rape Crisis Centre and the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland had the privilege of visiting with in their respective countries.

Swagaa stands for Swaziland Action against Gender Violence and Abuse and WAR in Botswana which stands for Women against Rape. At 10 am Irish time it will be 12 pm in Swaziland and Botswana. They are also connecting in spirit with Tennessee Coalition of Gender Based Violence in USA.

They will especially remember the women of the African continent and especially the women of Botswana and Swaziland. They are also hoping to make links with women from Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Afghanistan and Iraq - so if you would like to join them in a big or little way to connect with each other you would be most welcome.

Support the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre Action

Any organisation around the world, including Ireland can join in this action. Set aside 10 minutes at 10am on 10th December in your organisation or home or community space and have a quiet mediation around a candle, a song, a thought, or have a gathering of staff for tea/coffee and have something in the room to show solidarity with women suffering abuse.

Email them

If you would like to take part, email them today and let them know your location and your plans.

Suir Community Development Project 16 Days Event

The Suir Community Development Project in Carrick on Suir, are hosting a a coffee morning in the Nano Nagle Community Resource Centre on Tuesday 9th December at 11am.

They are encouraging people to attend the event to show their support for the 16 Days Campaign and to raise awareness of domestic violence locally.

A representative from Cuan Saor (Women’s Refuge & Support Service) will be present to give information on the campaign and on the services available to women locally

For more information contact Carmel McKenna, Project Cordinator, Suir CDP, 12 New Street,
Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary or phone 051-641066.

16 Facts for 16 Days Email Campaign: Day 5 - 8

As part of the Women's Aid Home Truths Campaign, the '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign started on 25th November and continues until the last day of the campaign, 10th December. Each day, recipients receive the latest national and international statistics on violence against women delivered straight to their inbox.

To sign up email comms@womensaid.ie.

We will be posting the statistics regularly throughout the campaign. Below you'll find day 5 to day 8:

Day 5: Domestic Violence: A Pattern Not an Isolated Event

Irish research found that 24% of those who had experienced domestic violence reported experiencing one form of violence, 25% had experienced two or three types of violence, 20% had experienced four to seven types of violence and 31% had experience eight or more types. [Bradley, F, et al. Reported Frequency of Domestic Violence; Cross sectional survey of women attending general practice. British Medical Journal; Vol. 324]

Domestic violence has the highest rate of repeat victimisation than any other crime. 42% of women disclosed being victimised more than once and almost 1 in 4 women (23%) reported being attacked 3 or more times. [2000 British Crime Survey: England and Wales, Home Office]

Almost three quarters of incidents of domestic violence (73%) involve repeat offending, with every one in four victims (27%) attacked three or more times. [Third Special Report: Domestic Violence, Forced Marriage and "Honour"-Based Violence, House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, 31st October 2008.]

Day 6: Domestic Violence and Children

In 2007, there were 1,889 specific incidents of child abuse disclosed to the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline. Abuse of children ranged from physical violence (physical assault, assault with weapons) to exposing children to pornography or exposing children to rape of mother. In an additional 3,491 calls it was directly disclosed that children were living with domestic violence against their mother. [Women's Aid National Helpline and Support Services Annual Statistics Report, 2007]

In 2003, 3 out of 4 women who were accommodated in refuge were accompanied by one or more children. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

In the UK, nearly 75% of children on the 'at risk' register live in households where domestic violence occurs. [UK Department of Health, 2002]

An overview of research studies found that in between 30-66% of cases, the same perpetrator is abusing both the mother and the children. [Edleson, J., Children's witnessing of adult domestic violence, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 14. 839-870, 1999]

Day 7: Domestic Violence and Health

Women who have experienced domestic violence are at an increased risk of depression and suicide attempts; physical injuries; psychosomatic disorders; unwanted pregnancies; HIV and other STDs; being killed by a partner. [World Health Organisation, World Report on Violence and Health, 2002]

5% of women in Ireland who experienced severe abuse in an intimate relationship suffered a miscarriage as a result of the abuse. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

A study conducted by the Rotunda Maternity Hospital found that in a sample of 400 pregnant women, 1 in 8 had experienced abuse while they were pregnant. [O'Donnell S, Fitzpatrick John M, McKenna PF, Abuse in Pregnancy – The Experience of Women, Nov 2000, Vol.98, No. 8]

Day 8: Domestic Violence and Injury

In 2007, there were 2,457 incidents of physical abuse disclosed to the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline. Reported physical abuse included being tied up and locked in a room for days, having boiling water thrown in her face, being punched, beaten with weapons, being burnt and being shot at. [Women's Aid National Helpline and Support Services Annual Statistics Report, 2007]

49% of women injured by their partner’s violence required medical treatment and 10% required a hospital stay. [National Crime Council and ESRI, Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Ireland, 2005]

Irish research found that of women who had experienced violent behaviour 46% had been injured. Serious violent incidents were common, 10% of women reporting being punched in the face; 10% punched or kicked on the body, arms, or legs; 9% choked; and 9% forced to have sex. [Bradley, F, et al. Reported Frequency of Domestic Violence; Cross sectional survey of women attending general practice. British Medical Journal; Vol. 324]

Day 1 to 4 of the email campaign can be found here.

16 Days in Ireland - Day 9

Today, W.O.V.E (Women Overcoming Violence Effectively) will hold a morning seminar for GPs, social workers, staff of A&E departments, Justice, Probation and all front line project staff, in order to raise awareness of its work.

In addition, Women's Aid is the featured organisation on the Take Back the Tech website.

Other events which started the first day of the campaign continue today. These include:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

If You Have Woken Up - Sign Up: Use the 16 Days Campaign to Support the ERA

The Equality & Rights Alliance (ERA) is a newly-formed coalition of over 40 civil society groups, including Women's Aid, seeking to ensure the promotion and enhancement of human rights, equality and social justice in Ireland. The Alliance is chaired by Joanna McMinn, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland.

ERA formed in response to the Government’s proposal to merge the Equality Authority, the Equality Tribunal, the National Disability Authority, the Data Protection Commissioner and the Irish Human Rights Commission.

ERA believes that this move will diminish the ability of these agencies to do the jobs they have been doing well. And this will affect everyone. Not just a few. We can’t afford cutbacks in the protection of the rights of the most vulnerable in society. The members of ERA represent older people, women, families, children, people with disabilities, carers, immigrants, workers, gay, lesbian and bisexual people, Travellers and many others who have been deprived of the benefits of Ireland’s economic boom.

In these changed times, it is fundamentally wrong that they should be the first to suffer. ERA will set out the organisational, legislative, and most importantly, human costs of cutting back on the protection of rights.

ERA believes that five into one won’t go.

How You Can Support the ERA Campaign

1. Sign Up to the online petition - click here

2. Spread the word - ask friends to support the petition by emailing them the link to the ERA petition.

3. Contact your local newspapers and radio asking them to cover the story. Email Edel Hackett for a suggested press release.

4. Use International Human Rights Day, 10th December to stage a photocall in your local area or help feed into the main one being organised by the ERA Campaign on the same day. Email Edel Hackett today for details.

5. Use the ERA Greeting and Christmas Cards to spread the word about the campaign. Go to the ERA website for more information.

Protect Your Equality and Human Rights Now!

16 Days Lily Ceremony, Tuam, Co. Galway

Tuam Community Development Resource Centre in Co. Galway are holding a Lily Ceremony on Monday 8th December at the Chapel Lane Bridge at 1.30p.m in Tuam, followed by refreshments, storytelling, song and reflection in Tuam Community Centre.

The ceremony will remember women who:
*have died due to violence
*are being trafficked
*are missing
*experience domestic violence in their own homes.

All are welcome. Participants are asked to gather at Tuam Community Development Resource Centre at 1p.m. from where the ‘16 days banner’ will be carried to the bridge for the ceremony.

For more information contact Sarah Oates on 093-25340 or email them.

16 Days in Ireland - Day 8

Events continue to take place today across Ireland. These include:

• Doras Bui will hold a public event at their centre consisting of a talk by Mr Don Hennessy, Director of the NDVIA (National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency); a poetry reading by two women who attend our Centre; and a memorial of flowers to remember the women who have been killed in Ireland over the past twelve years.
• Aonad Family Resource Centre will hold an information evening called '16 Days - In Her Shoes' in the Mattie McDonagh Centre, Ballygar from 7.30pm.
• Sole Purpose Productions in conjunction with Tearmann Domestic Violence Service host the acclaimed production of 'Don't Say a Word' written and performed by Patricia Byrne.

Other events which started the first day of the campaign continue today. These include:

• The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
• The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
• Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
• 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
• Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
• Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
• St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
• The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
• Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
• Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
• The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
• Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
• Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
• Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
• Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
• YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
• Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Sonas Housing Association 16 Days Postcard Campaign

Sonas Housing Association, which is based in Dublin, is calling for more supported housing for women made homeless due to domestic violence. Studies have shown that 88 per cent of women who suffer from domestic violence do not leave because they have nowhere to go.

Sonas Housing Association, which provides housing to women made homeless due to domestic violence, has implemented a targeted postcard campaign to politicians and policymakers asking how they intend to address this issue as part of the 16 Days Campaign.

Launching the postcard on 25th November, Sharon Cosgrove, CEO of Sonas Housing, said: "There is a great need for supported housing because women in domestic violence situations have many needs in relation to safety, health, financial and legal issues. Women's safety is very important at this time. Women are at greatest risk of homicide when she leaves or when she has just left a violent partner. Supported transitional housing is currently available through organisations like Sonas, which aims to empower women and support them to independence over the course of two years. However these services are dependent on funding as well as having adequate move-on options into social housing or the private rented sector at the end of the transitional period."

Ms Cosgrove also highlighted the lack of an integrated strategy by local authorities and the health sector on crisis accommodation, short-term housing and long-term housing needs:
"There is a serious need for a co-ordinated approach to service provision for victims of domestic violence from central government, the HSE, the Gardai and local authorities. We need policy guidelines to take account of eligibility and housing management/tenancy issues. Cosc is currently producing a national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which should inform improving service provision. However this strategy must be put in action quickly."

Sonas would like a more coherent analysis of the links between domestic violence and homelessness. Cosgrove continued: "Currently domestic violence is not accurately captured as a cause of homelessness. Due to this gap in knowledge, we are not seeing the extent of the problem and are consequently unable to analyse it adequately. For example, Ireland's levels of domestic violence against women are comparable to levels in the UK, but we are not seeing comparable levels of homelessness due to domestic violence. In some local authorities, domestic violence is not even considered as a possible cause to homelessness. Instead it is hidden within other listed causes such as 'anti-social behaviour' and 'family breakdown'. There is a great need for a national study that quantitatively examines the impact of domestic violence on homelessness in Ireland."

For more information, contact: Paula McGovern, policy and communications officer, Sonas Housing Association, Tel: 01 8309088.

Cobh Family Resource Centre, Co. Cork

Cobh Family Resource Centre in association with Robin Hill Clinic, in support of 16 Day campaign, have organised a pampering day December 6th. The purpose of this day is to encourage women to take better care of themselves holistically. Individual personalised invitations were sent out.

Women will be able to avail of the following workshops/treatments:
- What is counselling?
- N L P
- homeopathy
- acupuncture
- Massage
- Reflexology
- Indian Head massage
- Reiki
- Beauty therapy.

The day will run from 11.00 a.m to 4 p.m at Cobh Family Resource Centre- the charge of €6.00 will go towards the fund they have in place for their crisis counselling service.

For more information call Aislinn on 021-4816103.

16 Days Campaign in Ireland - Day 7

Today, Monday 1st December 2008 is World Aids Day and also the day 7 of the 16 Days Campaign.

2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Since 1988, individuals and organisations from around the world have been coming together on December 1st to bring attention to the global AIDS pandemic. With 33 million people now living with HIV and AIDS, World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to highlight how much more still needs to be done.

In 2007, 15.5 million women worldwide were living with HIV. This represents 50% of the total number of adults affected. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 59% of those living with HIV are women. [UNAIDS/WHO Update, July 2008]

There are some events taking place in Dublin today to mark the campaign. For more information go to http://www.irishaid.ie/ , http://www.stampstigma.ie/ and http://www.openhearthouse.ie/

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Other events which started the first day of the campaign continue today. These include:

* The Women's Aid 'Love Hearts' Postcard Awareness Campaign
* The Women's Aid '16 Facts for 16 Days' Email Campaign
* Sonas Housing Association Postcard Awareness Campaign
* 'In Her Shoes' exhibitions in Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris and Belmullet (Mayo) and in the Solas Family Resource Centre, Headford, and Aonad Family Resource Centre, Galway
* Newpark Close Family Resource Centre in Kilkenny will start their exhibition entitled 'Secret Life'.
* Northwest Roscommon CDP Ltd will also be running an "In Her Shoes" Exhibition in support of the 16 Campaign.
* St. Fergal's Family Resource Centre 'Don't Bring Me Flowers' Campaign in Bray
* The South West Kerry Women's Association 16 Days Art Competition
* Castlerea Women's Group, Co. Roscommon 'Shine a Light' awareness campaign
* Ronanstown CDP, Dublin 'Light a Candle Campaign'
* The Doras Buí community 'vision wall' and large banner display, Coolock, Dublin 5.
* Newbridge Family Resource Centre's 'Leave Your Mark against Violence against Women' Campaign
* Ringsend Action Project, Dublin 4 'The Phone' Campaign
* Aoibneas Women and Children's Refuge in Coolock, Dublin 5 '16 Days - 16 Scenarios' email campaign
* Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service Art and Poetry Exhibition
* YANA, North Cork Domestic Violence Project, 'Where there is darkness there is light' 16 Days Campaign
* Inishowen Women's Outreach will be carrying out training and awareness raising sessions in local health centres and surgeries throughout the 16 Days.

Other events may be taking place around the country. Contact your local domestic violence service or Rape Crisis Centre directly.

Support the 16 Days Campaign - End Violence against Women.

Amnesty International and Galway Rape Crisis Centre Events

Amnesty International Ireland and the Galway Rape Crisis Centre would like to invite you to join them at the following events organised during the 16 Days Campaign:

'Women and War' 5th December 2008:

5 pm Candle lit vigil in solidarity with the people of The Democratic Republic of Congo at Lynches Castle, Shop Street Galway.

7.30 pm Public discussion '‘Iraqi Women, between sectarian war and American occupation’ Amnesty International Freedom Cafe 2-3 Middle St. Galway.

Amnesty International Ireland and the Galway Rape Crisis centre are organizing an evening of events to mark the international campaign ‘16 Days in opposition to violence against women’ . Women are never more at risk than in times of war and Galway people will be offered an opportunity to show solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo at a candlelit vigil in the Galway city centre.

In 2007 Congolese women made up 28% of clients who attended the Galway Rape Crisis Centre's asylum seeker clinic, the largest single national group. The majority of these women reported that they had been victims of multiple perpetrator rapes carried out by members of the Congolese armed forces.

The situation in Democratic Republic of Congo: The DRC has, since last August been plunged into a fresh round of devastating armed conflict. This new outbreak of fighting has, so far resulted in the displacement of 250,000 people and a massive escalation in the use of rape by armed forces, murders of civilians and the recruitment of child soldiers. Last week the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of 3,000 extra troops to bolster the 17,000 Peacekeepers already stationed in DRC. Amnesty International Ireland is calling for the immediate deployment of these UN troops to provide security and protection for the people of the region.

This will be followed at 7.30pm by a discussion; ‘Iraqi Women, between sectarian war and American occupation’ with exiled University of Baghdad Academic, Dr Sawsan Al-Assaf of the Irish Centre for Human Rights.The discussion will take place in the Amnesty International Freedom Cafe 2- 3 Middle St. Dr Al-Assaf has lectured in political science in several universities in Iraq. Her main interests are issues of democracy, US strategy towards the Middle East, International relations, human rights and Iraqi women. In this informal discussion Sawsan will be focusing on both her personal experiences and her research on the effects of the invasion and occupation of Iraq on Iraqi women. There will be an opportunity for questions.

For further information please contact: Sarah Clancy, Campaigns Officer at our Galway office, mailto:sclancy@amnesty.ieor 086 7924095 or Aobheann Mc Cann, Coordinator ,Galway Rape Crisis Centre, 091 583149

Award winning human rights short films come to Galway - 4th December

What: Screening of Invisibles – an award winning series of five short films about human rights followed by a panel discussion

Who: Speakers from the Irish Centre for Human Rights; NUIG Global Women’s Centre; the Development Education Research Network and Médecins Sans Frontiéres

Where: NUIG Huston School of Film & Digital Media, located behind the Irish Centre for Human Rights

When: 2pm & 6.30 pm

The award winning series of human rights short films, Invisibles , produced by Javier Bardem and created by renowned directors, gives voice to the victims and survivors of some of the most neglected health and human rights crises in the world. It is being shown in Galway as part of events to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The films deal with cross cutting themes from the UDHR: Wim Wenders examines widespread sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its effects on women. Fernando Leon de Aranoa highlights the ongoing crises of the ‘night commuters’ and child soldiers in northern Uganda. Mariano Barroso looks at the dual role of eflornithine, a drug used as a beauty product in wealthy nations, but which is needed to treat Sleeping Sickness in the Central African Republic. Javier Corcuera travels to Colombia to document the life of people affected by the ever-present violence as they try to return to their rural homes. Isabel Coixet examines how chagas disease in Bolivia affects a young woman working in Madrid.

The 2pm Screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

A second screening will take place at 6.30pm when the audience can watch the film with some food and a glass of wine. Throughout 2009 DERN will continue to host events on the theme of Global Health and Human Rights . For further information contact: Clionadh O' Keeffe, DERN Research Associate, 091 49 5040.

http://www.nuigalway.ie/dern

http://www.amnesty.ie/