“Victims of domestic violence do not have to obey 5km restrictions”

“Victims of domestic violence do not have to obey 5km restrictions” – Ógra Aontú

Ógra Aontú have today moved to remind people that anyone who is a victim of domestic violence is exempt from the ‘stay at home’ restrictions and guidelines.

Spokesperson for Ógra Aontú, Bernadette Harkin, said:

“November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, sadly it would appear in Ireland that there has likely been an increase in domestic violence as a result of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. In August Women’s Aid reported a 71% increase in the traffic through their website and a 43% increase in phone calls to their helpline”.

“This is a shocking statistic. We must remember that anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. The government has clarified on a number of occasions that victims of domestic violence are permitted to travel beyond their 5km zone. It is important to share this fact widely. 1800 341 900 is a 24-hour freephone number available to anyone in Ireland. Look out for one another”, concluded Bernadette.

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.