Women's Link Worldwide’s Post

It's time to start a conversation about the way we treat survivors of #SexualViolence, our Executive Director, Dr Cliona Saidlear, writes in today's The Irish Times. "It is urgently needed," she says. "The adversarial system inflicted on the survivors of these crimes is not fit for purpose; it never was. This is why Rape Crisis Ireland is calling for the new government to establish a Commission on Justice. "This Commission should explore and assess the positioning of the survivor within criminal justice on a human rights basis but also the balancing of the rights of survivor and accused. Such a consideration of justice has the potential to move us beyond the cycle of short-term fixes and mitigations that inevitably lead to their own set of new problems. We should no longer accept that simply because it has always been so." Read the full article here >> https://lnkd.in/epeviyEw #JusticeReform #RapeCrisis #RapeCrisisHelp #SexualViolenceSupport #SupportingSurvivors #SurvivorSupport

It's time to start a conversation about the way we treat survivors of #SexualViolence, our Executive Director, Dr Cliona Saidlear, writes in today's The Irish Times. "It is urgently needed," she says. "The adversarial system inflicted on the survivors of these crimes is not fit for purpose; it never was. This is why Rape Crisis Ireland is calling for the new government to establish a Commission on Justice. "This Commission should explore and assess the positioning of the survivor within criminal justice on a human rights basis but also the balancing of the rights of survivor and accused. Such a consideration of justice has the potential to move us beyond the cycle of short-term fixes and mitigations that inevitably lead to their own set of new problems. We should no longer accept that simply because it has always been so." Read the full article here >> https://lnkd.in/e2-RqbvA #JusticeReform #RapeCrisis #RapeCrisisHelp #SexualViolenceSupport #SupportingSurvivors #SurvivorSupport

Day 10 of 16 Days of Activism: Teen Dating Violence Holly Newton was stalked and murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Because she was under 16, it was viewed as knife-crime. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 enables children to be viewed as victims in their own right if they witness it, or experience it by someone in a parenting role. Teen dating violence has been increasing for years. Resulting in teens becoming victims in their first or early relationships. Education relating to coercive control, psychological, emotional, and other forms of abuse, should be taught in schools alongside how babies are made! Parents could and should also educate their teens about healthy relationships too. Dads can play a significant role in this. I support this campaign for changes in the law. #vawg #teendatingviolence #intimatepartnerabuse #domesticabuseawareness #genderbasedviolence #ItStartsWithMen

All family violence is abhorrent. At the centre of family violence is the concept of control - control the movements, the relationships (friends, family, work), the appearance, the money, the very essence of your partner - the person you are supposed to love. One of the most insidious forms and with the potential to be the most lethal, in my opinion and experience, is coercive control. We need all who work as first line responders and those advising survivors of family violence to be better skilled at understanding family violence dynamics but also better equipped at assisting women and children in this space. If you are a member of a law firm - regardless of what area of law, it is likely your clients experience family violence. Ask yourself what your firm is doing to help the lawyers and support team identify family violence. Change will start with these conversations, a desire for knowledge, be better informed as practitioners and develop better skills.

The tranquility of our city (the city of joy-Kolkata) was shattered recently by a horrifying act of violence—a brutal rape that has left our community reeling with shock and anger. What makes this tragedy even more devastating is the alleged misconduct by local authorities in handling the case, casting a dark shadow over the trust that the public places in those sworn to protect them. The victim, a young woman with her whole life ahead of her, has become the face of a pervasive issue that too often goes unaddressed: the systemic failure to properly investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence. This incident is not just about the crime itself, but about the disturbing actions—or inactions—of those who should have been champions of justice. Reports have surfaced that critical evidence was mishandled or deliberately tampered with, leading to widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The mishandling of evidence is not just a legal failure; it is a profound betrayal of the victim, her family, and the entire community. When those entrusted with upholding the law are instead seen as obstructing it, the repercussions are severe and far-reaching. This case has ignited a firestorm of criticism aimed at local authorities, with many accusing them of attempting to protect the perpetrators rather than seeking justice for the victim. Such actions, if proven true, undermine the very foundation of trust that our society depends on. They perpetuate a culture of impunity, where the powerful are shielded from accountability while the vulnerable are left to suffer in silence. The community is demanding answers and, more importantly, justice. Protests have erupted across the city, with citizens calling for an independent investigation to ensure that those responsible for this miscarriage of justice are held accountable. The cries for change echo not just for this victim, but for all those who have been wronged by a system that too often fails to deliver on its promise of justice. In times of such darkness, it is crucial that we stand together as a community, united in our demand for transparency, integrity, and justice. We must ensure that this young woman’s voice, and the voices of countless others who have suffered in silence, are heard and that their stories lead to meaningful change. The road to justice may be long, but it is a journey that we must undertake—one that seeks to restore faith in our institutions and ensure that no one is above the law. #justice for victim #stop rape #severe capital punishment for the culprits

🌟 The Effect of Media Attention on Domestic Violence 🌟 The rise in domestic violence incidents, exacerbated by increased media coverage, has provoked significant political response. 📺📈 Governments, recognising the urgency of the issue, have initiated a series of measures aimed at addressing and mitigating domestic violence. 🏛️💡 These actions reflect a multifaceted approach that includes: 🔹 Legislative changes 🔹 Increased funding for support services 🔹 Public awareness campaigns The political momentum has also influenced judicial practices, particularly concerning Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs). ⚖️🔒 Learn more about this important issue and the measures being taken to combat it by visiting our website: 🌐 https://lnkd.in/gFDDGfZm #DomesticViolence #DomesticViolenceCase #DomesticViolenceOrders #SignsOfDomesticViolence #DomesticViolenceVictims #DVO #JamesNobleLaw 📣 Let's work together to raise awareness and support victims of domestic violence.❤️

We refuse to settle for a world that enables, perpetuates and ignores the root causes of domestic violence. We need leaders who will listen to survivors and support their needs, but it also includes ensuring every policymaker is accountable to survivors and supports the passage of laws that protect survivors, stops protections from being removed and fully funds our domestic violence response. This is only the beginning. Survivor Justice Action and our allies nationwide are amplifying survivors' voices beyond homes—making sure they echo through Congress. Read the full Ms. Magazine article here: https://bit.ly/3YyDu4D

Barry Murphy’s 14-and-a-half year sentence today for coercive control, rape, and assault is a step toward justice, but it’s not enough. Lisa O’Meara’s harrowing story of survival sheds light once again on the epidemic of domestic abuse and the urgent need for stronger protections for victims. 💔 Imagine living in fear, stripped of your freedom, and made to feel worthless. Lisa O’Meara endured years of unimaginable abuse, but today, her courage shines as a beacon of hope for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 💔 Lisa’s bravery in escaping her abuser and standing up in court is nothing short of heroic. Her powerful words - “You thought you were untouchable... I am proud of myself for being here” - should inspire us all to take action. 🚨 Domestic and sexual violence, and coercive control is vastly underreported. Fear, shame, and stigma keep too many silent. Lisa’s decision to waive her anonymity is a reminder of the strength it takes to speak out, and a call for us all to create a world where survivors are believed and supported. 👊 We need tougher laws, proactive policing, and robust support systems to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators. 💡 If you believe in creating a safer future for all, share this post. Let’s amplify all survivors' voices, spread awareness, and stand with every survivor of abuse. 📖 Read the article here https://lnkd.in/eA6yvcXK 💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and please, if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out to organisations like Women's Aid Ireland or the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Together, we can make a difference. #MensVioleneAgainstWomen #MaleViolence #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #EndDomesticViolence #EndSexualViolence #EndCoerciveControl #CoerciveControl #StandWithSurvivors

The National Cabinet met today to agree on practical next steps to accelerate action to end gender-based violence. This includes the welcomed announcement of a new National Access to Justice Partnership agreement, including a critical $800 million increase in funding to the legal assistance sector over five years, focusing on uplifting legal services responding to gender-based violence. Under this agreement, the Commonwealth will invest $3.9 billion over five years from 1 July 2025 and for the first time will provide ongoing funding beyond the five-year agreement so that the sector has long-term funding certainty. https://lnkd.in/gqfS2yf9 Meeting of National Cabinet - Media Statement https://lnkd.in/gsUiNwMP