'The only shame is in the perpetrators': New leaflet initiative on ending violence against women and girls
A STRABANE councillor whose sister was murdered in a domestic violence incident has urged victims not to suffer in silence. Sinn Féin's Fergal Leonard, whose sister Concepta was murdered in May 2017, was speaking out as part of a new leaflet campaign on ending violence against women and girls
A STRABANE councillor whose sister was murdered in a domestic violence incident has urged victims not to suffer in silence.
Sinn Féin's Fergal Leonard, whose sister Concepta was murdered in May 2017, was speaking out as part of a new leaflet campaign on ending violence against women and girls
Thousands of leaflets have been distributed throughout urban and rural areas of Strabane and wider district, highlighting what councillor Leonard says is a "systemic and deep rooted problem" in society.
The leaflets also contain details of the help available.
Councillor Leonard said: "Sadly, since these leaflets were printed, two more young women have lost their lives to femicide with the murders of Ellie Flanagan in Enniskillen and Amy Doherty in Derry.
"In less than six years, 30 women have been killed in similar circumstances in the North alone.
“No family should ever face that news or that pain.
"No woman or girl should ever have to live in fear of someone who is meant to love and care for them."
He continued: "Violence against women and girls is an umbrella term used to cover a wide range of harm, abuse and violence that is happening day and daily on our streets, in our homes, and across our communities.
“Through actions and words, men and boys in particular must play a key role in ending violence against women and girls and we need to create a society that no woman or girl feels that she needs to suffer in silence and that she has the necessary support to break free from violence, abuse, stalking or coercive control.
“Our leaflet seeks to bring a focus to this systemic and deep rooted problem within our society and to show that we all have a part to play in stopping it.
"It also details the range of help available for anyone who is the victim of gender-based abuse and violence.
"If you, or someone you know has experienced violence or abuse please know that there is always help available, whenever you are ready.
"I appeal to you to seek help. The only shame is in the perpetrators!
“If the leaflet helps even one woman or girl to be free from violence or abuse then it will have been well worth it."