Last night on Dublin City Council, People Before Profit Group Leader Hazel De Nortúin (Ballyfermot-Drimnagh) successfully proposed a motion mandating Dublin City Council to resource local area Housing and Community Development sections to tackle domestic violence and abuse of women.
The motion was inspired by the publication of the Unveiling the Shadows report by Saoirse Domestic Violence Services. The report was funded in part by the South-Central Area Committee following representation by Cllr. De Nortúin.
The report highlights shocking levels of violence against women in the Cherry Orchard area and how housing insecurity can trap women in situations where their safety and lives are at risk. The report makes a number of recommendations, including identifying what the local authority can do to support their tenants who are victims of Domestic Violence.
Speaking at tonight’s meeting, Cllr de Nortúin said “The level of violence experienced by women in the D10 area has shown how prevalent domestic violence is within society. It’s also important to highlight how the vast majority of violence against women occurs within the woman’s own home and the most common perpetrator is her partner. Our Council must support women and survivors of domestic violence, breaking down the economic and social barriers that too often trap women in horrific situations”
The motion passed unopposed; it will be brought to the Housing Strategic Policy Committee for implementation.
Cllr Conor Reddy (Ballymun-Finglas) added “The Unveilling the Shadows Report and the adoption of this report should be seen as a start towards our Council properly supporting women and victims of domestic violence, including children. Similar studies are needed in other communities, where violence against women is rife and where socio-economic inequality amplifies crises. I will be advocating for a similar report to be commissioned in the North-West Area at its next local area meeting”
