Murder of Ashling ‘stemmed an outpouring of shock and deep upset’ in community

THE tragic death of Ashling Murphy has opened up a conversation about gender-based violence and highlighted our approach to it as a country, with many calling for a zero-tolerance to all forms of male violence against women.

The world has been shaken to it’s core this week following the murder of 23-year-old Ashling Murphy in Tullamore, Co Offaly. The murder, which happened in broad daylight as Ashling went for a run along the canal banks in Tullamore, has been responded to with an outpour of grief, sadness and despair from everyone in Ireland.

The national outrage and confusion following the death of Ashling is palpable and has triggered a conversation about violence against women, something which many say is overdue as we mourn the loss of 244 women who have lost their lives to violence at the hands of men in the last 25 years.

Speaking to The Echo, Saoirse Domestic Violence Services CEO Allison Graham says that violence against women and girls is “not a new issue in our society”.

“It happens every day, destroying lives, most often behind closed doors, in homes, workplaces and social settings, but increasingly in public also,” said Allison.

“The murder of Ashling Murphy last week in broad daylight, in a public space, stemmed an outpouring of shock and deep upset but also a long overdue outcry from all sectors of our society about the harm, abuse, terror and often death of women, at the hands of violent men.

“The conversation about the prevalence of violence against women in all its forms, must stay at the forefront of our minds and those of our policy makers, who have the power to enact change now, for the safety of all women and girls.”

The killing of Ashling Murphy has highlighted the level of violence against women in Ireland and the level of fear that women experience on a daily basis due to the behaviours of men.

“We send our deepest sympathy and empathy to the family, friends and loved ones of their cherished Ashling, a young woman taken away in the prime of her life,” Allison added.

Saoirse Domestic Violence Services has been offering support services to women and children experiencing domestic violence since 2006. With secure refuge accommodation in South West Dublin, children support services, a 24 hour Helpline (01-4630000), expansive outreach services covering Dublin 10, 12, 22, 24, South West County Dublin and West Wicklow and also court accompaniment support. They support hundreds of women and children every year being intimidated, threatened, abused, and in absolute fear.

If you need help or someone to talk to about what you are going through, they are here 24/7 – 01 46304000 or www.sdvs.ie