Violence against Women
INTRODUCTION
This information refers mainly to Domestic Violence and Rape. In most cases women are the victims of these shattering crimes. But it is not only women who suffer from these crimes. And these are not the only type of violence that can be experienced.
Women may be victimised simply because they are women or because their property is seen as more vulnerable due to individual life styles and perceived lesser physical strength. Basically we can divide violence against women into attacks which are physically, sexually, or property oriented. To put this into context it is important to realise that in Ireland crimes involving physical violence of any kind are amongst the lowest in Europe.
No matter whom you are, if you are subjected to violence of any kind you should contact the Gardai for immediate help and advice. An Garda Siochana is committed to a proactive policy in relation to protection through law enforcement.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
‘Domestic Violence’ is the physical, sexual, emotional or mental abuse of one partner by the other partner in a relationship which may or may not be one of marriage or cohabitation and includes abuse by any family member against whom a safety order or a barring order may be obtained by another family member.
WHO COMMITS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
As a general rule it is a husband or partner who commits this shattering crime against women. To the public, he may appear to be a warm loving person and a low-abiding citizen.
Often he will absolutely refuse to accept that he is the person responsible for his destructive behaviour. In face, he may believe that his abusive behaviour is justified.
THE THREE PHASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence tends to follow three phases
It is important to remember that once violence has begun, it not only continues, but also over time increases in both frequency and severity. As the violence continues, the three-phase cycle begins to change for the worst , the tension building phase becomes shorter and more intense the acute battering incidents become more frequent and severe and the reconciliation periods become far shorter.
IF YOU ARE SUBJECTED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
It is important for you to know that no one has the right to assault you. You can stop it immediately by getting help and support from the Gardai and other service providers.
If you suffer from domestic violence Gardai will give you immediate protection and advice. If you choose, a female Garda can be available to help and support you throughout your traumatic experience. The Gardai can also put you in contact with other organisations that can give you counselling, advice or refuge.
The Gardai can also advise you on agencies that can support and counsel you in seeking a Protection/Barring Order from the District Court. If you are not married and are the subject of violence by your partner you can still apply for a Court Order to prevent further abuse.
REMEMBER – THE DECISION IS YOURS
If you have been subjected to domestic violence, you should have no hesitation at all about reporting it to the Gardai. Remember that the priority is to look after YOU. If you have children and cannot care for your self, you certainly cannot care for them. A decision about applying for a Court Order comes later – AND THAT DECISION IS YOURS!
Always get the medical attention you need after an attack. It is best to tell the doctors and nurses exactly what happened to you, so that they can record it carefully.
SAVE ALL EVIDENCE YOU CAN
Women who are subjected to family violence often feel isolated, vulnerable and afraid. There is help and support available, do not be afraid of what may happen after you have reported the attack. Where possible, you should save all evidence of the attack, because once you are out of physical danger you will be in a better position to consider the legal options opened to you, options which can, in some cases, lead to arrest and prosecution.
WHAT IS RAPE?
If any of the following happen to you without your consent, it is rape: sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex or penetration of the vagina by any object held or manipulated by another.
WHO CAN BE RAPED AND WHO COMMITS RAPE?
Anybody can be raped at any time and anywhere. Women who are raped often know the person who raped them. For example, it can be their husband, boyfriend, partner or neighbour.
IF YOU ARE RAPED
If you are raped. You must remember at all times that you are not to blame. The rapist is the person who commits the crime - NOT YOU!
THE GARDAI CAN SUPPORT YOU IN THE FOLLOWING WAY
At any time of the day or night, trained Gardai can arrange for you to receive immediate medical care and advice. The Gardai will also advise you about the many different counselling and support services that are available. If you have been raped, you should have no hesitation about reporting it to the Gardai. Remember that the priority is to look after YOU. Trained Gardai will be available to support and advise you at every stage of the investigation.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Remember if you are sexually assaulted, you are not to blame. Help and support is available to you 24 HOURS A DAY. The Gardai and agencies like the Rape Crisis Centre will immediately help you to get specialised medical care.
Remember after an assault you may feel dirty, but to preserve evidence you should not wash, change your clothes or even clean up until after you have talked to the Gardai.
Remember every piece of information no matter how small it is that you recall about your attacker may be relevant.
Remember many crimes of rape are not reported, as a result most rapists continue until caught.
SOME USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS (IRELAND)
Garda Siochana ‘999’ or any Garda station is available to help you 24 hours a day.
HARASSMENT/ STALKING
Harassment/Stalking can also be a problem and recent changes in legislation mean that this menace need no longer be suffered. Any person who by any means including the use of telephone harasses another by persistently following, watching, pestering, besetting or communication commits this offence. Keep a record of events and report the matter to the Gardai.
SECURITY IN THE HOME
Nobody wants to turn their house or flat into Fort Knox. If nothing else, the cost of adopting every measure available is prohibitive. What we must all try to achieve is a level of security that dosen’t draw attention to us, that we can afford that makes feel safe. The back or side door. The patio door. The front door.
DO NOT BECOME A VICTIM, follow this advice!
ON THE STREET
IN THE HOUSE
IN THE CAR
Article written by Kevina Malone.