• ‘Still Here’ TV and Radio ads relaunched to spread the message to victims of domestic abuse that help and support continues to be available even as the country moves to Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with Covid 19.
• Domestic abuse incidents will continue to be prioritised by An Garda Síochána, the Courts and the Legal Aid Board during the pandemic
• Travel Restrictions do not apply to victims of domestic abuse seeking assistance
Ministers McEntee and Browne have announced that the TV and radio ads for the ‘Still Here’ domestic abuse campaign will recommence today.
The ‘Still Here’ campaign, which began in April in response to the restrictions on movement, is about getting the message out that supports and services continue to be available to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
It is also about getting the message out that travel restrictions do not apply in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person.
The campaign which started with 2 weeks of intensive TV and Radio adverts, has continued on social media platforms throughout the pandemic. In direct response to the country moving into level 5 of the National Framework for Living with Covid 19, Ministers McEntee and Brown have restarted the TV and radio elements of the campaign to remind people of the ‘Still Here’ message and to reach as wide an audience as possible.
The Still Here TV and Radio ads, developed by the Department of Justice in collaboration with a number of frontline services, portrays the tragic reality that, for many people in Ireland, their home is not a safe place, particularly at this time.
Speaking of the campaign, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said,
We know that home is not a safe place for all of us, and domestic violence increased during the initial lockdown we faced in the Covid-19 crisis.
I want victims of domestic and sexual abuse to know that An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other services, including the vital supports provided by our community and voluntary sector, are still here for you as we now face more restrictions.
For anyone living in an abusive relationship or living in fear for their safety, going back to Level 5 must feel frightening and difficult. If you are in this situation I want you to know we are here for you, we will react when you need us, we will protect you. I also want you to know that the 5km restriction on movement does not apply to you if you are seeking help.
Finally I want perpetrators to know that irrespective of what restrictions are in place, there will be no let-up in our efforts to tackle domestic and sexual violence
Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne added,
We unfortunately know the significant effects Covid restrictions can have on our most vulnerable, including victims of domestic and sexual violence.
The Still Here initiative between the Department of Justice, frontline State services and the community and voluntary sector, working together to support victims of domestic and sexual violence, continues.
Our support for victims of domestic and sexual violence is steadfast.
Information on services and supports for victims is available on the campaign website www.stillhere.ie
Notes to Editors:
Radio ads:
• https://soundcloud.com/user-529324454/still-here-domestic-abuse-awareness-campaign-radio-advert-male/s-JBN215dYBPL
• https://soundcloud.com/user-529324454/still-here-domestic-abuse-awareness-campaign-radio-advert-female/s-9q5aZ4Xvd09
TV ad:
• https://youtu.be/VTcVbHpCTVQ
Website:
• www.stillhere.ie which has detailed information on the range of supports available to people at this time and contact details of support services available to them, both nationally and in their local area.
For persons experiencing domestic violence
In an emergency, any person can call An Garda Síochána on 999 or 112.
Helplines and other resources
• Legal Aid Board Helpline 1890 615 200 or 01 646 9600
• Women’s Aid Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900
• Rape Crisis Centre National Helpline 1800 77 8888
• Male Domestic Abuse Advice Line 1800 816 588
• Men’s Aid Ireland 01 554 3811
• Directory of local domestic violence services online at www.safeireland.ie
• Directory of local sexual violence services online at https://www.rapecrisishelp.ie/
This public awareness campaign has been developed in conjunction with creative agency TBWA/Dublin and media buyers PHD Media Ireland.
The Still Here TV ad shows a woman’s attempt to keep in contact with her friend through a video call being interrupted by her abusive partner. The first radio ad depicts a mother trying to reassure her child that their effort to hide from their abuser is just a game of ‘Hide and Seek’ while the second features a male victim trying to communicate his plight to the emergency services.