Diocesan News
Mothers’ Union members hear about realities of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Northern Ireland
Domestic violence and sexual abuse were the uncomfortable topics highlighted at a recent Prayer Breakfast organised by Mothers’ Union in Down and Dromore.
The event was held as part of the worldwide campaign 16 days of Activism against Gender Violence with which MU Worldwide engages each year.
The committee invited two senior figures who work with victims of domestic and sexual abuse to address MU members: DCI Anne Marks of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch and Dr Olive Buckley, Clinical Director of the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
DCI Anne Marks spoke first, explaining the law on sex in Northern Ireland and what constitutes abuse. She then set the scene with some alarming statistics:
• 1 in every 18 calls to the PSNI relates to domestic abuse;
• In Northern Ireland, over a recent 12 month period, the police received 1,393 reports of sexual assault (research would suggest that as many as 75% of sexual assaults are not reported);
• 834 rapes were reported and in 153 of those cases the victims were under the age of 13;
• Most offenders are known to the victim whether they are a member of the family, extended family, are in a position of trust or are known socially.
Anne highlighted the PSNI’s work in this area, starting with the first call from a victim, either to 999, 101 or via the Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline (0808 802 1414). Men and women are encouraged to report either recent or historical abuse and there are Public Protection Units located in police stations throughout Northern Ireland.
The police fully investigate claims if there is sufficient evidence but in the first instance can offer protection and supply information about local support agencies who give emotional and practical help.
One such source of support is the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre located in the grounds of Antrim Area Hospital. Dr Olive Buckley is the Clinical Director and herself a victim of sexual abuse.
The Rowan is a one–stop centre which delivers a coordinated inter–agency response. It provides a full range of services to individuals who have been raped and sexually assaulted with support available 24/7, 365 days per year. The team will respond to all victims, irrespective of their age, gender, sexual identity/orientation, ethnicity, or geographical location.
Olive gave a pithy description of her amazing work there, sharing real–life stories and giving some advice on what to do if someone discloses abuse or assault to you. She managed, at the same time to inject a good deal of Norn Irish humour.
The reality, after all, is bleak; when clients range from babies to elderly women and the Rowan Team has offered support, advice and direct care to more than 3,500 individuals since opening in May 2013. Sadly many, especially those abused as children, take their trauma to the grave without telling anyone.
It was a revealing morning which began and ended, appropriately, with prayer. The 120 ladies who came along left more informed, better equipped, and with a real appreciation for those who work on the front line with victims of sexual and domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.
View more photos from the photo gallery here.
Find out about 16 days of Activism against Gender Violence on the Mothers’ Union website.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Down & Dromore
07840 006899
Mrs Annette McGrath
dco@downdromorediocese.org