Increase in number seeking help for domestic abuse since murder of Amy Doherty
“It is vitally important that we continue to raise awareness, recognise the signs of abuse, encourage people to speak up and know that support is available locally” - Lifeline Inishowen manager
Lifeline Inishowen says it has encountered a significant rise in the number of those reaching out for help in the weeks since the shocking murder of young Derry mum Amy Doherty in March.
The local domestic violence charity is preparing to host a community event next week aimed at raising awareness of domestic abuse and supporting those affected.
Lifeline will welcome the Buncrana Community Policing Unit to its Carndonagh centre on Friday, May 15, from 11am to 1pm, to mark the annual Go Purple Day campaign.
Go Purple Day is a nationwide initiative designed to highlight domestic abuse, promote available support services, and stand in solidarity with survivors.
Ms Coyle said this year’s event is more poignant following a recent Carndonagh vigil held in memory of Amy Doherty (above), the 28-year-old Derry mother-of-two whose violent death shocked the local community.
Since that vigil, four more women have lost their lives to violence, bringing the total number of women who have died in Ireland in such circumstances since 1996 to 282.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Coyle said Go Purple Day is about “visibility, remembrance and hope” and ensuring victims of abuse know they are not alone.
“These ladies are not just statistics; they are real people,” she said. “Daughter, sister, mum, friend. Behind every single statistic, there is a person, a family and a community grieving a cruel death.”
Ms Coyle said it is vitally important that awareness around domestic abuse continues to grow and that communities become more confident in recognising the signs of coercion, violence and controlling behaviour.
“It is vitally important that we continue to raise awareness, recognise the signs of abuse, encourage people to speak up and know that support is available locally,” she said. “And to bring hope to someone feeling lost in a cycle of abuse.”
She revealed that Lifeline Inishowen has seen a noticeable increase in people seeking support in recent weeks and said the organisation has also attended Leinster House to highlight the need for stronger cross-border cooperation in tackling domestic violence.
“The levels of abuse in Ireland are staggering, but these events are vital in offering us all a chance to learn more, to speak to the gardai, to meet the counsellors, and as a community, to show that we are there,” she added.
Ms Coyle pointed to a significant rise in reported incidents of domestic abuse in Ireland over recent years, saying greater awareness and a willingness among victims to come forward had contributed to the increase.
She also stressed that domestic abuse affects people from all backgrounds and demographics.
“The other change is that men in abusive relationships are also finding their voice, along with the elderly, the youth and parents,” she said. “We are here to support anyone in an abusive relationship, regardless of gender or age. Domestic abuse has evolved and so have we. We are an inclusive organisation that has zero tolerance for anyone living in fear. Everyone deserves to feel safe.”
As part of the awareness event, Lifeline Inishowen will also launch its new website, which Ms Coyle said has been months in development.
Lifeline encourages people across Inishowen to show their support by wearing purple, lighting businesses in purple and sharing messages online.
“Let us as a community remind those living in fear – you are not on your own,” Ms Coyle added. “We are all here.”