Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I support the call by Senator O'Malley and Senator McDonald for a debate on domestic violence. A huge number of people in the State, many of whom are women, live every day of their lives in fear in a place that should be their refuge, their home. Holding a debate in this Chamber would be another step in raising awareness of this issue and sending a message to the people concerned, mainly women, that there is awareness of their plight and that help is available. Perhaps that debate, by showing solidarity and awareness and illustrating the help that is available, will help to build the victims' confidence so they might come forward, seek help and try to move on from their appalling situation. No one deserves to live like that.