Safe Ireland has partnered with Herstory to launch a new campaign this Nollaig na mBán (January 6th), featuring a powerful short film by Marion Bergin that depicts with chilling impact the shrinking world of a woman and child living with coercive control and abuse. Watch it above.
The darkness of the film is contrasted with a Herstory light show across the capital for Nollaig na mBán, illuminating landmark buildings like the GPO and Christchurch Cathedral with images that celebrate the diversity, strength, resilience and autonomy of women in Ireland today.
Other buildings being lit up are the former Magdalene Laundry on Sean McDermott Street, as well as an ordinary domestic house to symbolise the hurt that happens within our communities.
The light show features work by photographers Ellen McDermott and Myriam Riandand, and conceptual artist Áine O' Brien.
"We know from our services that Christmas has been extremely busy already and they are now facing into a January dealing with the impact of the double crisis of the holiday and this new period of strict lockdown," said Safe Ireland CEO Mary McDermott.
"Nollaig na mBán celebrates women and, traditionally, offers a day of rest to them, a day where they are acknowledged and served. Our message is that every woman and child deserves to be safe from coercion and control in 2021. If you or someone you know is living with control and abuse, staff in domestic abuse services across the country are highly trained and experienced. Make contact, learn about coercive control. Domestic violence staff are specialists. They will hear you and they will support you."
Find out more about Safe Ireland here.
