Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign began this weekend on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It runs until 10 December, which is Human Rights Day. The campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Everyone has the right to be free from violence. Much work is going on in the background to provide supports to women who are fleeing violence in Carlow. We are closer than ever to having a women's refuge. Carlow's Women's Aid has been giving a safe and comfortable space for women and their children to be during court hearings, which is very important. An abuse accountability seminar took place this morning in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. I was delighted to attend it. I ask everyone who can to light a candle for UNiTE on Friday, 1 and 8 December in solidarity with those affected by domestic violence and abuse.

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