“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.