NWCI support International Day opposing Violence Against Women

Published: Wednesday, November 24, 2004

The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) today expressed their full support for 'International Day Against Violence Against Women' (November 25th, 2004), and the global '16 Days of Action Campaign Against Violence Against Women', which runs from today until December 10th (International Human Rights Day).

The Aims of the '16 Days' Campaign are:

• To highlight the prevalence of violence against women.
• To raise awareness of violence against women as a human rights issue at local, national and international level.
• To show the solidarity of women around the world, organising against violence against women.
• To work towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women.

The NWCI joined with Women's Aid, one of its affiliate members today, to remember the 104 women violently murdered in Ireland since 1996. The Council gathered with many others outside Leinster House, for a minute's silence to remember those women who had lost their lives through violence and to highlight the serious consequences of violence against women.

''The NWCI, once again, urges the government to provide adequate funding supports for front-line services working with victims of violence against women'' stated Marie Hainsworth, NWCI Vice-Chairperson. ''The government must remain committed to programmes such as the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency (NDVIA), that work towards ensuring victim safety and sanctioning perpetrators of violence'' she continued.

''The NWCI today calls on the government to acknowledge all forms of violence against women, including physical, sexual and psychological violence '' added Ms Hainsworth. ''The NWCI sees violence against women as a violation of human rights and as a barrier to women's full participation in society'' she concluded.