Cork singer Lyra launches new Safe Ireland campaign
Cork singer-songwriter Lyra this week helped to launch a campaign encouraging the Irish public to support their local domestic violence services.
Safe Ireland’s Safe Home, Safe Pathways campaign also calls for all counties across the country to embed domestic violence responses into their local county development plans, enabling victims to escape abuse.
The launch on Monday coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with Irish artist Lyra announced as the Safe Home, Safe Pathways Campaign Ambassador to help Safe Ireland encourage the public to stand together against domestic violence.
She said: “I am honoured to lend my voice as a Safe Ireland Ambassador to raise awareness about its consistent work to support victims of domestic abuse across Ireland.
“Safe Ireland, and its independent member network, play a crucial role in our society by offering shelter, support, and pathways to safety for individuals and families affected by abuse.
“Their commitment to creating safer communities and empowering survivors is truly inspiring. I am proud to contribute to their mission by highlighting the positive impact they have across the country.”
In 2023 alone, An Garda Síochána responded to an astounding 59,625 emergency calls related to domestic violence (equivalent to one call every ten minutes), and an average of 128 domestic violence incidents daily. Each year, more than 4,500 individuals (approximately 1,500 women and 3,000 children), find refuge in emergency accommodations across Ireland to escape domestic violence.
Mary McDermott, Safe Ireland CEO, said: “No one should be forced to live in an oppressive home or be trapped in a coercive relationship. It is our responsibility as a society to protect and provide for victims of coercive control and domestic violence.
“This Safe Home, Safe Pathways campaign aims to raise awareness about the pervasive nature of domestic violence in Ireland and local frontline support services, and directly calls on every county, town and city to embed domestic violence responses into their development plans. There are 62 actions set out clearly in the National Strategy, Zero Tolerance which require full implementation at local level.”
As part of the campaign, a symbolic door installation was unveiled in Dublin to illustrate the abuse many victims, and their children, endure daily behind closed doors.
It was also announced on Monday that Airbnb has donated €200,000 to Safe Ireland’s work which will help support Safe Home, Safe Pathways projects. Since 2020, Airbnb has donated over €600,000 to Safe Ireland which provided direct survivor ‘flee fund’ financial support, a national network frontline services conference and amplified Airbnb’s provision of direct emergency hotel accommodation to Safe Ireland’s Network during the pandemic.
There are 37 domestic abuse services located across Ireland. Services are free, confidential and available to all women. You can find and contact the service that is most convenient for you at safeireland.ie.