Introduction
Recover Better: Stand Up for Human Rights, that is the theme the United Nations has picked for today, International Human Rights Day 2020. The world body makes clears we cannot go back to the world from which we came pre-Covid with its stark inequalities, discrimination and rampant gender-based violence. It is no coincidence that this day marks the end of the designated 16 Days of Action to demand an end to domestic violence and abuse – in all its forms.
Over this period those who advocate for victims, for supports and for justice are to the fore in highlighting the need for action. It is also a time when Governments and politicians, our own included, speak many fine words and make strong commitments. This time though it is different with the alarming rise in reported cases of violence now one of the many terrible hallmarks of the Pandemic.
Gardaí are reporting a 17% increase in domestic violence crimes – that is over 20,000 calls.
This is far from the full story many more are unable to call for help or do not want to involve the forces and agencies of the State, if we look at the figures reported by frontline agencies the situation is even darker. From the early days calls of Covid-19 calls to helplines have been through the roof – in the case of Womens Aid up over 43% in the first few weeks alone.
Another notable and terrible aspect of the lockdowns according to Gardaí is the number of children who have seen their mother abused or assaulted for the first time. If we have not reached a tipping point now – then I fear we never will.
The Community Foundation for Ireland
I am proud to say that The Community Foundation for Ireland knows and has supported many of the organisations and individuals joining us for this the first in our series of Vital Talks.
Over the past 20-years we have had the back of much of your campaign work. As an organisation we never shy away from the difficult, complex or deeply embedded issues. Much of the €60 million in grants we have given over the last two-decades have gone to support causes which did not have simple or straight forward solutions, even though like domestic violence they were often hiding in plain sight. From Travellers Rights, to Marriage Equality and Immigration Reform together with our partners we were often there first.
Through Philanthropy we have been able to provide support which goes beyond firefighting and responding to immediate need by offering strategic and sustainable funding which allows for longer term planning. This approach allows new ideas, new approaches and ultimately leads to policy, legal and social change. That is the unique offering we bring to the table. Together with our generous donors we are there to see problems through to the end.
As a convener we also offer provide an opportunity for the men, women and children most impacted by social issues, those who support them and those who advocate on their behalf to come together and to formulate new ideas, new collaborations and new solutions. The relaunch of our Vital Talks series, of which this is the first, is the flagship of such gatherings.
Domestic Violence
Domestic and indeed Gender Based Violence is just one of the complex issues which we need to grapple with. We may all have an image of what it looks like, but in reality it involves a wide range of crimes and abuse.
There is the mental as well the physical impacts, the involvement of organised crime in human trafficking for sexual exploitation and the failures of the State to reach out to and support women and girls in minority communities.
The end of the 16-Days of Action, which will happen tonight, is when traditionally the political, public and media spotlight moves on to other issues. As a sector we often feel that significant and important awareness raising has been achieved and we end the period generally satisfied that we have been heard and acknowledged.
Often there is an achievement to be proud of, a policy change, new financial support or a firm commitment for new legislation. The 16-days initiative has certainly proved its worth and delivered successes. However, this year is different. We owe it to each victim who has been locked up, imprisoned with their abuser in a place most of us regard as our rock, our place of safety – the family home – to keep this issue on the political agenda.
The volunteers, the frontline workers and those on the helplines do not take 16 Days of Action, they take 365 Days of Action. That needs to be the mantra too when it comes to identifying the supports, policies and laws which work and in demanding their implementation.
If we are to keep the momentum going then we need to work together, to be courageous and energetic. To use partnerships like those offered by philanthropy to move this issue on and deliver the real change we all want to see.
Conclusion
The Pandemic may well have been the wake up call this country needed when it comes to Gender Based Violence. As alarming as the statistics have been this year – lets remember that in the coming weeks over Christmas and the New Year period there is a real risk that the dangers will increase.
While the rest of us have limited gatherings to meet up with friends and families, in an abusive home the extra financial strain, the increased drinking added to the Covid restrictions will make a lethal and dangerous environment even worse.
I mentioned at the outset the UN Theme for Today. It is also worth noting that Ireland cannot meet its international commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals unless it ends gender based and domestic violence. Because those goals are clear – no-one is to be left behind.
Our challenge is to make sure those goals are delivered – in full.
The work of The Community Foundation for Ireland to achieve this would not be possible without the support of those who share our vision of equality for all in thriving communities. It is their donations, their gifts and legacies which make our support possible. If at any stage you want to be part of that story please contact me directly or indeed any of the team. Our website is CommunityFoundation.ie. Updates on our work are also posted on Fcebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.