Aontú Senator Sarah O’Reilly raised the issue of gender based violence in the Seanad today and warned that the State is falling far below European standards when it comes to refuge spaces for those fleeing abuse.
“Anyone looking at the headlines over the past week can see a stark and disturbing reality, for too many, this is no country for women. Gender-based violence is rising, and since 2020, 65 women have been violently killed across this island. These are daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends whose lives have been tragically cut short.”
Senator O’Reilly pointed to the recent killing of Amy Doherty, a young mother remembered for her warmth and devotion to her two young sons.
“Those children will grow up without their mother’s love, a loss that will shape the rest of their lives. Women are constantly told to modify their behaviour, not to walk alone, to stay alert but even in the middle of the day, in public view, they are not safe. The brutal assault over the weekend on a woman in Tipperary was shocking. She was attacked in public while bystanders looked on. We must shift the focus away from placing responsibility on women and onto those who commit these crimes.”
Raising serious concerns about the death of 23 year old Kelly Lynch, who was found in the Ulster Canal in Monaghan, Senator O’Reilly said the circumstances surrounding the case represent a profound failure of the system.
“Despite extensive injuries, her death was ruled non-suspicious, and her family was forced to raise funds for a private investigation. No grieving parent should have to fight for answers in this way. It is an indictment of policing systems both North and South, they were failed by the Gardaí and by PSNI.”
Senator O’Reilly warned that Ireland is also failing women in crisis due to a chronic shortage of refuge spaces.
“The Council of Europe recommends one family refuge place per 10,000 people, yet Ireland has less than a third of that capacity. For many women and children who are victims of abuse there is simply nowhere for them to go. That is a scandal and a direct threat to lives.”
“Gardaí must be properly trained and supported to respond effectively to domestic and gender-based violence. According to Women’s Aid, 44% of women reported that Gardaí were unhelpful when responding to domestic abuse. That first point of contact can be the difference between life and death for these women.”
“When do we say enough? This is an epidemic and if it goes unaddressed then we are risking the lives of women across the island. We have many good men in this country who can and should lead by example, and as parents we must raise our children to respect others and recognise signs of abuse.”
