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17th Jan 2022

Calls for all of Government to respond to gender-based violence in wake of Ashling’s murder

Sarah McKenna Barry

A new strategy on domestic and gender-based violence is set to be published in March.

The murder of Ashling Murphy last week has prompted calls for the entire Irish Government to respond to gender-based violence in society.

Ms Murphy was killed while she was out running along the Grand Canal in Tullamore on Wednesday 12 January. She was 23-years-old.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the case.

Earlier this morning, Safe Ireland’s CEO Mary McDermott told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that an all-Government response is needed in order to tackle gender-based violence in Ireland.

Ms McDermott also called for a high-level unit to be established in the department of An Taoiseach with regards to gender-based violence.

The Government will publish a new strategy on domestic and gender-based violence in March.

Also this morning, the National Women’s Council for Ireland director Orla O’Connor discussed the need for one Minister to have responsibility for violence against women.

On Newstalk’s Breakfast Show, Ms O’Connor said: “I’ve no doubt when the Taoiseach came out of the gates of Leinster House on Friday that he realised that there must be a proper response to end men’s violence against women.

“We won’t know the detail until the violence against women strategy is released in March and that’s okay – we want real change to protect women and prevent violence – not knee jerk reactions.”

Ireland’s Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has also signalled the need for a new approach to the issue.

On Friday, she tweeted: “Thinking of Ashling and all women who are and have been victims of violence. We must come together to demand zero tolerance of violence against women. As Minister for Justice, I am working to ensure we have a society that does not tolerate this any longer.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, support is available. Women’s Aid’s 24hr National Freephone Helpline can be reached on 1800 341 900. Other resources can be found on their website right here.

Feature image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie