November 25th was UN Day of Elimination of Violence against Women & Girls.

Mary spoke to this in the Seanad, stating:

The UN says “Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.

In general terms, Violence against Women and Girls manifests itself in physical, sexual and psychological abuse including:

• intimate partner violence
• sexual violence and harassment
• human trafficking
• female genital mutilation; and child marriage.”
• 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most frequently by an intimate partner.
• Emerging data shows an increase in calls to domestic violence helplines in many countries since the outbreak of COVID-19.
• In Dublin Central Gardaí reported a 100% increase in Domestic Violence

But beyond Garda stats aside violence against women in Ireland today ranges from:

• Domestic Abuse, violence and intimidation
• Image based sexual abuse of women, young girls and boys
• Body shaming of schoolgirls

For more watch video here: