What's love got to do with it?

In this documentary, two women-survivors of domestic violence in rural Ireland, tell us their compelling and often harrowing stories.

Through their moving accounts, we get an uncomfortable glimpse into what life was like with a violent man.

A pattern emerges in their testimonies which shows how these women first became drawn into these defining relationships; partnerships that would ultimately drive their bodies and minds close to the point of devastation.

Their stories will inevitably make the listener attempt to rationalise the mind of a perpetrator of domestic violence. It is therefore important to bear in mind that, according to medical experts in this field, the perpetrator does not have an 'illness', nor does he need a 'cure'.

We also hear the other side of domestic violence, that of the perpetrator or abuser - one man who is currently coming to terms with his violent past speaks openly and candidly about the effects of his domestic violence.

Produced by Nuala Macklin

Sound Supervision by Mark Dwyer

Production Supervision by Liam O'Brien

This documentary was supported by COSC and POBAL

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN IRELAND : THE FACTS (Womens' Aid)

. Within the past 15 years, over 211 women were killed by their partners in Ireland; a high percentage of these deaths occurred in their own homes.
. Over 5000 women access domestic violence services in Ireland each year.
. Hundreds of children suffer every day from the effects of witnessing domestic violence in their homes.
. An unquantifiable number of babies die before they are born as a result of their mother being battered by the father.
. 1 in 8 women surveyed in a Dublin maternity hospital had experienced domestic violence during pregnancy
. Approximately 6% (Nat. Crime Council) of all victims of severe domestic violence are men who suffer at the hands of their female partners.
. A high percentage of men who abuse women also abuse children.

For more information :
NATIONAL FREEPHONE HELPLINE: Call 1800 341 900
Women's AID: www.womensaid.ie
National Support Group: www.hse-ncs.ie
Safe Ireland: www.safeireland.ie
Rape Crises Centre www.drcc.ie

First broadcast on Aprili 17th 2010

An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries.