Media Release
*Spokespeople Available
I wish I could have done something to stop it. I wish he accepted that he needs help. I wish he could see that he is at fault. I wish he could put himself in our shoes.
(Child, X years old)
9 December 2021: Barnardos Children’s Charity, in collaboration with domestic abuse services around Ireland, today launch a short animation created as part of the ‘Empower kids – Children’s participation project 2021’ in association with ‘16 days of Action’ against gender based violence. In their own words, children living with domestic violence share the impact domestic violence has on them in this thought provoking animation.
Every year Barnardos works with hundreds of children across Ireland impacted by domestic violence and abuse in their homes, and see first-hand the devastating affect domestic violence can have on their lives and wellbeing. Too often children’s voices remain absent from the public debate and discussion around domestic violence. Insufficient time and consideration is given to listening to their experiences and, as a result, society fails to uphold their rights to be seen, heard and kept safe.
Some adults think children are stupid and they don’t know what they are talking about just because they are little but all children have a voice.
(Child, x years old)
Keep us safe, we have no control over what happens in the family.
(Child, x years old)
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: “Domestic violence affects everybody in the home, especially children. They experience the violence and abuse in their own right. From our work with services around the country, we believe that children’s voices must be heard, and their experiences understood in the ongoing narrative around domestic violence and abuse. In order to prioritise children’s safety and promote their rights Government must listen to their voices, recognise their expertise, and act on their wishes. Barnardos and partners, are calling on the Government and support services to view young people as domestic violence experts, to co-design service responses and be involved in developing national and local strategies and policies that meet the needs that they identify as most important.
Barnardos, and their partner organisations, call on the public and Government to listen what these children have to say to better understand the supports they need. It is vital that more is done to promote the visibility of children living with violence and abuse and fulfil their right to be heard and to have their experiences recognised and validated. For more information about Barnardos services go to www.barnardos.ie.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Watch the animation: Hear Me, See Me, Keep Me Safe, – YouTube
*This piece was created in conjunction with: Cope Domestic Violence Service Galway, Mayo Women’s Support Services, Longford Women’s Link, Meath Domestic Violence Service, Dundalk Women’s Aid, EPIC, Cuan Saor Domestic Violence Service, Dublin Safer Families, Saoirse Women’s refuge and Barnardos TLC KIDZ projects across North Tipp, Limerick/Clare, Cavan/Monaghan
For more information for press and media please contact Barnardos Press Office:
Tel: 01 7080442 / 086 0445966
About Barnardos
Barnardos’ mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, and our partners to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences. Because childhood lasts a lifetime www.barnardos.ie