Today I released my podcast with Sarah Benson, CEO of Women's Aid Ireland. What she shared with me is confronting- we all know someone who has been touched by domestic abuse, even if we are not actually aware of it.
The sad reality is that at Christmas time this abuse increases. And it doesn’t just affect women. Society as a whole suffers. It pulls at the threads that hold us all together in the caring love all human beings deserve. Children are often caught in the cross hairs, under the care of their mother who struggles and puts on a brave face. According to Women’s Aid Ireland, “we do not expect a spike in calls on Christmas Day itself. Many women will work very hard to try to ‘keep the peace’ for their children. It is often the period following December 25th that the organisation receives an increase in calls from women.” Women hold in their pain for that day for the sake of their children.
Women's Aid Ireland is open all year round, including Christmas Day. It offers counselling and respite for women and children caught in a cycle of domestic abuse. Physical, sexual and psychological abuse takes its toll on women and the children they struggle to support, with their partners often withholding financial support to further manipulate and coerce.
Domestic abuse is a dark shadow in our society. I wasn’t sure whether I should write something on this topic, as it’s not the usual tinsel and happiness of this season. I worried that it might be too doom and gloom. However, I firmly believe it’s important to give voice to those who have been silenced out of fear. I believe women’s voices deserve to be heard, their stories amplified and support given. I believe that these issues should not remain confined to whispered conversations in hushed corners. By breaking the silence, we challenge the norms that allow such behaviors to persist and create a culture of accountability and respect. Together, through resilience and solidarity, we can continue to spark change and build a society where no voice is silenced.
I don’t have all the answers. But I do know we all know someone who has been affected by this type of abuse. Together with charities such as Women’s Aid Ireland, victims can access therapists, legal aid and more to support their new lives away from their abusers. Additionally, we can help our fellow women and especially their kids by offering toys, food, nappies and donations to lift them out of the darkness so they may all see the twinkling lights too.
It’s not much, I know. It’s a start though. And maybe offering support in the way of just being there, open and ready to listen, we can offer some solace to those women who deserve a happier Christmas too. Here is all the contact info for Women’s Aid Ireland:
NATIONAL FREEPHONE HELPLINE 1800 341 900
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
EMAIL helpline@womensaid.ie
Love, Laura x
