25/11/2020 Doras are highlighting the impact Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) has on migrant women and are raising awareness of support services available on the United Nations International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, Wednesday November 25th.
“Migrant women experience violence at a similar rate to Irish women,” said Doras CEO John Lannon, “and are disproportionately or exclusively affected by specific forms of gender-based violence such as human trafficking for purpose of sexual exploitation; prostitution, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriages and honour-based violence.“
Doras also highlight additional barriers migrant women face in seeking support for domestic violence.
“We have worked with a number of people who felt that they have no choice but to remain in abusive relationships,” said Lannon, “and this is exacerbated by Covid-19 and restrictions in place to combat the virus. A major barrier to seeking support is a perceived threat to immigration status via coercive control by a partner with whom their status is based. Further barriers to seeking help include: limited English language knowledge; religious or cultural norms; isolation and lack of social support networks. ”
“Doras is here to help anyone from a migrant background experiencing sexual and gender-based violence or anyone experiencing domestic violence who wants to secure their immigration status independently from their partner.”
Doras is also part of the Limerick Network on Violence Against Women (LAN), who are conducting their 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence online this year. Members of LAN will be sharing information, educational resources and supports available to women experiencing domestic violence using the #16DaysLimerick tag. LAN are asking members of the public to help share this information as widely as possible.
Anyone who is experiencing Domestic, Sexual or Gender Based Violence is encouraged to contact a local or national helpline/crisis centre/refuge or in case of an emergency, An Garda Síochána.
Services in Limerick
Adapt House – domestic violence: 061-412354
Rape Crisis Midwest – sexual violence: 061-311511
Doras – immigration support: 061-310328/083-0802378
National helplines
Womens Aid – domestic violence: 1800-341-900
Safe Ireland – domestic violence: 090-647-9078
Rape Crisis Centre – sexual violence: 1800-778-888
An Garda Síochána: 999/112
