We can’t just forget about what happened to Ashling and move on
Violence by men against women is an issue that has received much media attention since the tragic death of Ashling Murphy and Labour Councillor Pio Smith has said that we can’t let the matter fade from our memory without making changes to society.
“What happened to Ashling was brutal, unforgivable and tragic so we as a society can’t just forget about what happened and move on” Councillor Smith said.
“We have to act and one of the simple things we can do is to bring this subject to the forefront locally.”
Councillor Smith is Chairperson of the Louth Policing Committee Steering Group and he raised the issue of violence, intimidation, psychological and emotional abuse that many women across the country and in Drogheda suffer at a recent meeting.
“I proposed that we include the abuse of women as a staple item on the agenda of all the local policing forums in Co Louth, including Drogheda.
“The proposal was agreed by all in attendance. Furthermore it was also agreed that the public meeting of the Drogheda Policing Committee will have a primary focus of addressing violence against women in our town.
“At our meetings An Garda Siochana will present information on the extent of abuse and violence that women suffer in our town.
“There will also be information provided that details how cases will be handled sensitively as well as outlining the various supports that exist within Drogheda to help vulnerable women to regain control of their lives.
“Furthermore we will explore the possibility of implementing a programme that can be delivered in our schools. I believe that this is an important point because attitudes can be formed very early in life and it’s essential that we help our children to grow with the knowledge that any abuse of women by a man is treated with a zero-tolerance response.”
