11.12.2017
Break the Silence, Lift the Shame and Shift the Blame – Mothers’ Union Call on Gender Based Violence
Mothers’ Union member in Dublin & Glendalough joined a global movement in tackling the stigma surrounding gender based violence at their vigil which took place as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. The vigil took place in the Church of St John the Baptist in Clontarf.
Mothers’ Union around the world campaigns through its 4 million members in 83 countries. They engage with the global 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender–based Violence which runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). Throughout the Campaign members join together with one voice, to raise awareness of and call for an end to gender–based violence in all forms and in all societies.
This year Mothers’ Union focussed on the issue of stigma, where society responds negatively to, or by blaming those who are, victims of gender–based violence. Members were called upon to challenge the myths and harmful attitudes around it. Mothers’ Union is calling on people everywhere to break the silence, lift the shame and shift the blame from victim to perpetrator. Governments have an important role in preventing and ending gender–based violence and as a civil society, we can influence our leaders to do this, Mothers’ Union says.
The vigil was led by Mothers’ Union Vice President for Faith & Policy, Carol Hennessy. The Revd Lesley Robinson, Rector of Clontarf also took part along with Diocesan President, Karen Nelson, and other members of Trustees doing readings, reflections and intercessions. Appropriate and uplifting hymns were sung. Members of the congregation placed prayers on the prayer wall. Mervyn Denner prayed for all who are experiencing the effects of domestic violence.
Special guest speakers included Dean Philip Knowles, who spoke about the opportunity he had while he was in Cashel of attending the Tipperary International Peace Awards event which honoured Malala Yousafzai, a Pakastani teenager who had been writing secretly to the BBC about the lack of education for women and girls in Pakistan. In Pakistan, Malala was not allowed to be herself. When her identity was discovered the Taliban shot her in the head. She survived and recovered. Dean Knowles described her as a young person speaking her heart and mind. In recovery she had the gift of courage against this evil and further threats did not put her down. She has since written a book about her experiences. Dean Knowles went on to say that in the midst of bombings such as Enniskillen or Egypt and many others the innocent suffer. Malala has shown us that we need courage to allow our hearts and minds to speak out against the evil of gender–based violence.
Emeline Le Prince, Service Manager at Sonas Supported Housing who provide emergency refuge and other services to women and children experiencing domestic abuse also spoke. She said that the number of deaths of women from domestic violence stood at 216 in Ireland since 1996. Katja Murphy, Social Care Leader at Aoibhneas Women’s and Children’s Refuge spoke about the 24 hour professional support services available to those suffering abuse in the home. Mothers Union Dublin & Glendalough thanked all those who attended including Greg Heylin from the Dept of Justice, and Mary O’Faolain from the Pro Cathedral.