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Campaigns
Campaigns to raise awareness of Domestic Violence are ongoing throughout the year.
International Women's Day 2020
This year we had the honour of hosting campaigners Vicky Phelan and Melatu-Uche Okorie at our 10th annual International Women's Day. The event took place on the 2nd of March 2020 in The Bridge House Hotel. The event was full to capacity. Vicky Phelan, Melatu-Uche Okorie and friend of ODVSS Mary Greene spoke to those in attendance and held the audience captive. Vicky spoke not just of her personal journey, but referred to women who have inspired her to speak out and be the voice of others. She received a standing ovation from the crowd. Melatu, who is from Nigeria, highlighted the role women often play in covering up violence and abuse in a family. She spoke of instances where a woman has disclosed to family members and have been dismissed and critciised by others. Mary wrapped up the speaking by reciting a poem that has great meaning and insight. It was yet another successful event and we would like to thank The Bridge House Hotel for its hospitality and to those who attended the brunch.
Teen Dating Violence -Schools Program 2020
This popular campaign will again take place this spring in schools and Youth Reach Centres throughout Offaly. The campaign is professionally run and has proven to be effective in raising awareness amongst students of Teen Dating Violence and the importance of consent. The programme is aimed specifically at teenagers and provides valuable information on domestic abuse in teen relationships. The programme is delivered to transition year, 5th & 6th year students during the months of April and May.
Schools interested in partaking of this awareness campaign this year 2020 should contact the office at 057 9351796 to arrange a date.
From the Shadows - Coercive Control 2019
Continuing our Seminar series our Seminar "From The Shadows - Coercive Control" which took place on Fri 8th Nov in The Townhouse Tullamore from 10.30 -2.00 p.m. Key speakers included Ryan Hart - Luke & Ryan Hart Advocates, Prof Orla Muldoon Limerick University, and Dr Conor Hanly NUIG Law Dept. Key speaker Ryan Hart's mother Claire and sister Charlotte were murdered by their father. Ryan and his brother Luke advocate for more awareness for domestic abuse and coercive control. They give keynote speeches around the UK to help raise awareness, as well as campaign for more to be done for the victims and their families.
Domestic Violence in the Workplace Leaflet Launch 2019
The launch of our new Domestic Violence in the Workplace Leaflet took place on the 4th of October 2019 in Tullamore Library at 11am to 1pm. The speakers on the day included DV advocate Jessica Bowes who spoke about her experience of domestic violence and the lack of support from her employer at the time and the need for awareness and compassion as well as support needed from employers. The event was a huge success.
Dyeing to Talk, information morning for Hairdressers, Barbers and Beauticians
Our next "Dyeing to Talk" information morning was due to take place in November, however due to unforeseen circumstances didn't take place, but is due to be rescheduled in 2020. If you are a hairdresser, barber or beautician and would like to avail of free training contact us by emailing manager@odvss.ie or call 057 9351796
Domestic Violence and the Ethnic Minority Woman Seminar 2019
This very insightful seminar took place on Friday 17th of May from 10.30 to 1 p.m. in The Bridge House Hotel. Tullamore . Thank you to our speakers who spoke at the seminar. Some valuable lessons were learned that we can take forward in ensuring an all inclusive service delivery. Speakers on the day included Dr. Nusha Yonkova , Shamsun Nahar Chowdhury, Sheila Crowley and Pinkie McInerney. Thanks once again to our Chairperson Eileen O Neill Magner for MC, and June Kelly Assistant Chair for the roaming mike. A final thank you to all who attended and gave up their valuable time to learn how to support Ethic Minority Woman in accessing vital services.
International Women's Day 2019
ODVSS celebrated their annual International Women’s Day on March 8th 2019. The annual brunch was hosted in The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore. Eileen O’Neill/Magner (Chairperson) welcomed everyone to the Brunch and introduced our guest speakers Kathleen Chada and Mary Green. Kathleen's husband Sanjeev Chada, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014 after he drove their sons, Eoghan 10 and Ruairí five, to Co Mayo, where he strangled them. Kathleen has become an advocate in raising awareness on domestic abuse and has become a friend to our organisation. Mary Green, our local advocate recited a beautiful poem that gave us a moment to contemplate and reflect on the immeasurable courage of our guest speaker and the importance of the work carried out by the staff of ODVSS. Then the students of Tullamore College performed a beautiful rendition of their debut song 'Light up the way'. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event.
Teen Dating Violence -Schools Program 2019
This year a new and revised programme which includes the importance of consent, was presented to Secondary Schools and Youth Reach Centres throughout the county of Offaly. The campaign is professionally run and has proven to be effective in raising awareness amongst students of Teen Dating Violence and the importance of consent. The programme is aimed specifically at teenagers and provides valuable information on domestic abuse in teen relationships. The programme is delivered to transition year, 5th & 6th year students during the months of April and May. This year students completed an anonymous questionnaire to get an idea of how many have been in dating relationships and also what the prevalence of Teen Dating Abuse is being experienced by our young people. Findings to follow. Schools interested in partaking of this awareness campaign next year 2020 should contact the office at 057 9351796 to arrange a date.
Helping Hands
ODVSS are delighted to announce that we will be rolling out a new children's program for children who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. Children are often the invisible victims of DV and ODVSS are delighted to have a new children's program called "Helping Hands" which aims to build self esteem and confidence in children. This program is suitable for children aged between 5 to 12 years old and runs for 6 to 8 weeks. If you would like to find out more about this initiative please call our office on 057 9351796 or email manager@odvss.ie This is a free program.
Local Election Candidates Manifesto 2019
A big thank you to the local candidates who came to our information session which took place on the 26th April 2019. Those who attended showed that they are placing the safety of victims of abuse at the forefront of their campaign. John Leahy Renua Ireland, Declan Harvey Fianna Fail, Anne Marie Ennis and Alan Davy Sinn Fein, Ken Smollen Irish Democratic Party and Deirdre Fox Fine Gael. It's good to see candidates committed to the community, addressing life and death issues such as domestic violence.
Lights of Hope 2019
ODVSS will again this year look for businesses around the county to sponsor a 'Light of Hope' on our virtual Christmas tree. All money received will go towards the running of our service helping those who experience domestic abuse. Christmas is a very hard time for victims and we encourage anyone in need to contact our helpline 057 9351886.
