Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2015

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Questions (379)

Gerry Adams

Question:

379. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the November launch of the 16 Days of Action campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2149/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The 16 Days Campaign is an international campaign that started in 1991. The Campaign runs from 25th November, UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10th December, Human Rights Day. On the first day of the campaign last year the Taoiseach and I issued a joint statement to underline the seriousness with which this issue is taken by Government. After condemning all forms of domestic and sexual violence, the Taoiseach said it was necessary to change societal attitudes. In particular the Taoiseach called on men to support women victims of such violence, if they reported such violence to them.

I said that all forms of such violence persist as a stain on our humanity. I welcomed the ‘16 Days of Action’ as a timely opportunity to raise awareness of the evils of gender-based violence. I advocated the need for everyone to work to ensure that no barrier, no hesitation, no doubt ever comes in the way of reporting suspicions or concerns regarding the occurrence or risk of sexual, domestic or gender based abuse.

I was also pleased to participate in the debate condemning domestic violence which took place in the Dáil on 18 December.

I am pleased to say that my Department, through Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, funded voluntary sector organisations to co-ordinate and run local awareness raising activities across the country over the 16 days. Cosc also funded a national MANUP campaign leading up to the 16 days. This campaign aimed to engage men to stand up against domestic and sexual violence. Funding was also provided to the White Ribbon campaign for activities during the 16 days. That campaign was also focussed on engaging men as advocates against such violence.