Episodes

  • The future – towards Zero Tolerance

    The future – towards Zero Tolerance
    Aug 13 2024
    For the final episode in the series we look at the future and what more needs to be done to support victims/survivors and create a culture of zero tolerance of gender-based violence in Ireland. We discuss the four pillars of Ireland’s Zero Tolerance strategy and the increasing groundswell of support for challenging misogynistic attitudes and behaviours. Taking part in the discussion is Denise Charlton, CEO of Community Foundation Ireland and board member of Cuan, the new government agency set up to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence. Marney O’Regan, founder of Choose Respect, Nenagh, which was established after the murder of Aisling Murphy, joins us to talk about the role of the community and Claudia, from the Outreach team at Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services outlines an exciting new project in Meath.
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    35 mins
  • Seeking justice

    Seeking justice
    Aug 6 2024
    Legislation to hold perpetrators of domestic violence to account has been strengthened in recent years, yet for many survivors justice is still illusive. In this episode we hear how the training and response of An Garda Síochána to domestic violence has changed and the complexities involved in the courts process which can be a ‘juggernaut’. We hear reflections from two women on their own experiences, calling for better understanding of the nature of domestic violence and impact on victims. We talk more about the court support service provided by Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services for women engaged with the legal system. Joining this discussion are Garda Sergeant Laura Sweeney, National Domestic Abuse Unit of An Garda Síochána and Amanda, Outreach Team Leader with Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services.
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    35 mins
  • How children are impacted by domestic violence

    How children are impacted by domestic violence
    Jul 30 2024
    In this episode we focus on the experiences of children as victims/ survivors of domestic violence in their own right. Children have often been viewed as passives witnesses to domestic violence, despite the profound impact it can have on their wellbeing and development. We discuss how domestic violence often escalates during pregnancy and how midwives can respond to support women living with domestic violence. We hear the voices of children from around the country who have contributed to the Barnardos Empower Kids project. Contributing to the discussion are Naomi and Katie, from the Children’s team at Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services and Lane Galvin. Lane is a midwife working in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and is doing a Master’s in Trauma Informed Care.
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    24 mins
  • Reaching out for support

    Reaching out for support
    Jul 23 2024
    What does reaching out for help look like for a woman who wants to leave an abusive relationship? In this episode we discuss how that can happen and what supports are available. This is a frank conversation about what it is like for a woman experiencing domestic violence and the challenges, and barriers, she can face when she decides to leave. Leaving an abusive relationship can be the most dangerous time for a woman, alongside other major challenges like finances and housing. Family and friends play a major role in listening to and supporting survivors on their journey. With Claudia and Amanda, members of the Outreach team at Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services, we talk about what supports are available and what the post-separation and recovery period looks like.
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    26 mins
  • Recognising an Abusive Relationship

    Recognising an Abusive Relationship
    Jul 16 2024
    Abusive relationships start like all other relationships and the behaviour that raises a red flag may not be displayed for months, sometimes years later. This episode discusses how to recognise coercive control and abuse and red flags like love bombing and gaslighting. We discuss how domestic violence takes many forms and tactics of abuse can be subtle and escalate over time. Two women, who have experienced domestic violence, share their stories. Claudia and Amanda, members of the Outreach team at Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services, join us to talk about the impact of living with abuse on women and children.
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    23 mins
  • Women Connecting

    Women Connecting
    Jul 8 2024
    This is our first conversation about domestic violence and we look at the roots of Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services and how it was set up in the 1980s. We speak to Berny McMahon about the pioneering group of women in Navan that worked together to establish the refuge which, nearly forty years later, has helped thousands of women and children escaping abusive situations. The current chairperson of Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services, Sinead Gogan, talks about the services currently provided and exciting plans for the future. The power of communication and connection resonate in this first episode.
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    29 mins