A major new advertising campaign goes live today, that aims to reach out to victims of domestic violence.
The campaign is looking to reassure those affected that services are still available during the COVID-19 crisis.
The ads were developed by the Department of Justice and Equality, who collaborated with frontline services.
One of the radio ads depicts a mother trying to reassure her child that their effort to hide from their abuser is just a game of ‘Hide and Seek’ while the other features a male victim trying to communicate his plight to the emergency services.
Speaking about the campaign, Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan said:
"We would all like if these scenarios were fictitious or exaggerated but sadly, they aren’t. They conjure up a strong sense of the victims feeling trapped. The very place we have all been sent for safety because of COVID-19 – ‘home’ - is anything but safe for some people, and these ads recognise that. However It is vital that victims realise that services are still there and the law is on their side."
Minister Flanagan continued;
"I also want to say, unequivocally, to all abusers that the rigors of the law are also ‘still here’. There is nowhere for perpetrators to hide."
Helplines
Legal Aid Board Helpline 1890 615 200 or 01 646 9600
Women’s Aid Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900
Male Domestic Abuse Advice Line 1800 816 588
Rape Crisis Centre National Helpline 1800 77 8888
Men’s Aid Ireland 01 554 3811
