"The Other Violence" The Impact of the NI Conflict on Women.

Published: Monday, November 29, 2010

Experts from NI and the Republic, Scotland and the US, are to gather in Derry this week to discuss cross border strategies to deal with the legacy of the Troubles for victims of sexual and domestic violence. Those taking part include the chief commissioner of the NI Human Rights Commission, Monica McWilliams, Peter Sheridan, CEO of Co-Operation Ireland and formerly of the PSNI, Susan McKay, CEO of the National Women's Council of Ireland, District Judge Mervyn Bates, and Sarah McGrath of the Kings County District Attorney's Office in Brooklyn.

The three day seminar, entitled "The Other Violence", organised by Women's Aid, the National Women's Council of Ireland and the Irish Peace Centres, will hear calls for stronger cross border partnerships between police forces, the legislatures North and South, service providers and other agencies.

The seminar will hear about innovative new services including the Glasgow Domestic Abuse court and the New York Family Justice Centre. According to Marie Brown, area management Co-ordinator of Foyle Women's Aid, who will address the seminar,
"We need to look at the hidden violence that has been happening across our communities over the past thirty years. We are in a post conflict situation now and we need clear strategies to address the impact of this violence. I'm particularly excited to have the presentations from Scotland and America which outline practice that certainly should be adopted here."

Conference chair, Susan McKay, said that while the political violence had ended, violence against women and children was still rife. "Barriers remain for those seeking justice as a result of experiencing these crimes,while perpetrators are able to use the border to evade justice," she said. "The legacy of the conflict for the border region has been poverty and neglect, and this is reflected in a low level of services for victims of domestic and violence. This has to change."

Speakers will give an overview of the development of policies addressing domestic and sexual violence on both sides of the border. Mhairi McGowan from ASSIST in Glasgow will describe the setting up of the Glasgow Domestic Abuse Court. The seminar will also hear about the New York City Family Justice Centre, which reduces barriers faced by victims of domestic violence seeking help. Plans to develop a Family Justice Centre in Derry will be discussed.

For further information or to arrange interviews contact:

Susan McKay, NWCI 0035387 7582222