On Monday, representatives from domestic violence support services gathered at Castlegar Ballinfoyle Neighbourhood Centre for an important and timely discussion with Mary Lou McDonald, alongside Mairéad Farrell, Pearse Doherty, Matt Carthy and Sinn Féin Galway West by-election candidate Mark Lohan. The meeting, attended by COPE and Domestic Violence Response services, focused on the urgent societal changes needed to address domestic abuse and support those impacted by it.
The discussion highlighted the pervasive and deeply damaging impact domestic violence continues to have across communities. Participants explored the growing pressures created by housing insecurity, which often leave women trapped in unsafe situations, as well as the inconsistent and often traumatic experiences many still face within the criminal justice system and family law proceedings. Particular concern was raised around the operation of the in camera rule and the barriers it can create for transparency and accountability.
There was also important recognition of the experiences of older women, alongside broader conversations about domestic abuse within adult child-to-parent and parent-to-adult child relationships — issues that are too often overlooked in public discourse.
A strong emphasis was placed on the need for cultural change, including the critical role men must play in prevention, accountability and challenging harmful attitudes. While much work remains ahead, the meeting reinforced the importance of continuing these conversations and ensuring domestic violence remains a national priority.
