How many more watershed moments do we need? asks Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service

Following the tragic death of Ashling Murphy, Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service has extended its deepest sympathies to Ashling’s parents Kathleen and Ray, her sister Amy, brother Cathal and partner Ryan.

Nothing that the whole community is left shocked and numb by this brutal act of violence, ODVSS said, in a statement, that violence against women is at epidemic levels in Ireland and made even more precarious by the pandemic which saw thousands of women in lockdown with their perpetrators.

"Violence in the community is very worrying," said Anne Clarke Manager with ODVSS. Every day we support women who are experience high levels of violence within a hair breath of losing their lives, women are living in fear in their homes, on the street and in work.

"The killing of Clodagh Hawe and her three children should have been a watershed moment, as should have been Anna Kriegel and Nadine Lott. Women are already on high alert carrying their keys in their pocket, texting when they get home, surveilling the area they walk for danger. It is time for men to come forward and call out the abuse, step up when they hear cat calls and put downs of women. A cultural shift is needed if we are to avoid losing another innocent life to violence," she said.

The ODVSS called for breaches of domestic violence orders to be acted upon, highlighted the need for increased preventative interventions and sought proper sentencing for perpetrators that are deterrents.

"A whole of government response is needed," added Ms Clarke.

She said at present the responsibility for addressing violence against women is across several different departments.

"We need one unit in the department of An Taoiseach that will have an overarching responsibility of the safety of women and children in this country along with a national serivce plan and budget. It shouldn’t be a post code lottery to avail of services depending on where you live.

ODVSS marks 25 years of supporting victims of domestic and gender based violence, the service was founded by Pauline and Dolores Byrne, Joan Shanley, Ann O'Neill, Cassie Stauntion and Molly Buckley following the death of Pauline’s and Dolores's niece Sylvia Ryan as a result of a domestic violence attack .

"As we move into early 2022 to see another life taken 25 years on is truly soul destroying," Ms Clarke said, pointing out that since 1996, 244 women have lost their lives to violence in this country.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and in need of support, contact the ODVSS confidential line on 057 9351886 or 086 0419154. Website www.odvss.ie