A major campaign across TV, radio and social media aimed at reaching out to victims of domestic abuse gets under way today.
A major campaign across TV, radio and social media aimed at reaching out to victims of domestic abuse gets under way today.
The campaign – a collaboration between the Government and frontline services – will see ads across those platforms to reflect the reality of domestic violence amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The campaign seeks to reassure victims of domestic abuse that services for them are still available, and that victims are being prioritised.
The ads – which begin airing on radio today, and television tomorrow – depict the reality for victims of domestic abuse when their home is no longer a safe place.
It comes after the government last week said that the 2km coronavirus travel restriction does not apply to victims of abuse, for whom the government acknowledged last week that home may not be a safe place at this time.
One of the radio ads depicts a mother trying to reassure her child that their effort to hide from their abuser is just a game of ‘Hide and Seek’, while the other features a male victim trying to communicate his plight to the emergency services.
The TV ad will depict a woman’s attempt to keep in contact with her friend through a video call being interrupted by an abusive partner.
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has said it is vital that victims know that services are still there for them, and the law is on their side.
“The very place we have all been sent for safety because of Covid-19 – ‘home’ – is anything but safe for some people, and these ads recognise that,” he said.
He added: “I also want to say, unequivocally, to all abusers that the rigors of the law are also ‘still here’. There is nowhere for perpetrators to hide.”
Information on services and supports for victims is also available on a new website – www.stillhere.ie
Helplines for people experiencing domestic violence
An Garda Síochána – 999 or 112Women’s Aid – 1800 341 900Men’s Aid Ireland – 01 554 3811Male Domestic Abuse Advice Line – 1800 816 588Rape Crisis Centre National Helpline – 1800 77 8888Legal Aid Board Helpline – 1890 615 200 or 01 646 9600Directory of local services – www.safeireland.ie