17 December 2021
The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) are partnering with a number of organisations this Christmas for a vital information campaign ‘Still Here’, regarding domestic abuse.
Still Here, a Collaborative Campaign of Support
The RCNI are a Carmichael resident organisation, and together with The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Safe Ireland, Men’s Development Network, Women’s Aid the National Women’s Council of Ireland they are making an extra push this Christmas to inform those in need of supports, at a time when traditionally domestic abuse rates skyrocket.
All the aforementioned organisations are working with the Department of Justice this Christmas for the campaign. While the public are being asked to stay at home, this may not be the safest place for those at risk of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
With that, the supports available to those in need must be made as widely known and readily available as possible. Still Here is the slogan for the campaign, reinforcing that the swathe of supports available will remain open to all in need throughout the Christmas period and beyond.
Words of Support
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee was clear in her support for the information campaign in a recent government message: “Irrespective of what restrictions are in place, perpetrators should know too that there will be no let-up in our efforts to tackle domestic and sexual violence”.
If you are in immediate danger remember that An Gardai Siochana are the first point of call. You can contact them by ringing 999 or 112. The Gardai Commissioner Drew Harris was also clear in his support of the campaign, saying:
“The COVID-19 crisis has not diminished our service. An Garda Síochána is committed to your protection and to the pursuit of perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse. If you are a victim of abuse or you know someone who is, that information is important to us”.
Key Component of Still Here
Still Here promotes the making of a Safety Plan. With Covid-19 restrictions means people may have to spend more time at home than they would feel safe to, a plan is key. Read all about the Safety Plan here. There are other factors in the Still Here which make for vital reading.
For example, being aware of digital and online safety. The campaign states that you may ’it is important to be mindful of what you search and look at on computers and devices that others may have access to’, as ‘computers and personal devices track and store information about what you look at on the Internet, the emails you send’.
Contact Details for the RCNI
As previously mentioned, the RCNI are a resident Carmichael and as ever we are delighted to promote awareness campaigns like this. To learn more about their work, simply visit their website here. Finally, make sure to follow their social media account: their Facebook here, and their Twitter here.
