The Citizens Assembly has heard a number of submissions to address what has been described as an epidemic of gender-based violence.
Among them were calls for a single authority to deal with gender-based violence, a victims commissioner and a government minister to oversee policy in this area.
The Head of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Noeline Blackwell, said that there is currently no body, no person or office dealing with what she described as the widespread prevalence of sexual violence in Ireland . Therefore, as a consequence, there are delays in bringing this epidemic under control, she said. There are delays in reducing the size of the problem. There are delays in increasing safety, in increasing equality and we re also likely to be wasting public resources.
Multimedia Journalist for RTÉ Entertainment
International Women s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. We ve rounded up six trailblazing female Irish artists who continue to inspire, encourage and make their mark on women s rights every day.
Denise Chaila
Fast-rising Limerick star Denise Chaila has been making waves in the music industry since the release of her infectiously catchy chart-topping hit single,
Chaila, which was released last summer.
Just mere months later, her powerful debut album,
Go Bravely, lit up the music scene, with many praising the talented artist for her flowing lyrics covering themes of identity, belonging and sexism.
Two years on: Ireland is failing to act in spirit of agreement to help women escaping domestic violence thejournal.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thejournal.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
When Ireland was at its height of Level 5 lockdown last November, Safe Ireland, the national agency working with domestic violence services recorded its busiest period.
Over 2,180 women and 602 children in Sligo, Leitrim and across the country received support from a dedicated domestic violence service from September to December last year, figures which, Carmel McNamee, Manager of Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (DVAS) in Sligo/Leitrim and West Cavan, describes as shocking .
Ms McNamee spoke to The Sligo Champion following the release of Safe Ireland s latest report, Tracking the Shadow Pandemic - Lockdown 2.
The report looked at the demand on 39 frontline domestic violence services, including DVAS.
Shocking increase in those contacting Women s Aid independent.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from independent.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.