Waterford Women's Centre & Childcare Service

Approximately 100 people attended ‘Learning from the Legacy of Loss’ Information & Awareness Event on Thursday 5^th December 2019 from 11am to 1.00pm in Carrickphierish Library, Carrickphierish Road, Gracedieu, Waterford City. This event was hosted by the Waterford Local Area Network Opposing Violence Against Women and highlighted the impact of domestic violence (delete – ‘has’ …’and’) as well as identifying supports and services available in Waterford. Opening the event Claire Coughlan, Manager Oasis House Women’s Refuge welcomed everyone and introduced the organisers of the event, the Waterford Local Area Network (LAN) as a network of statutory, community and voluntary groups that provide services to those experiencing domestic abuse. The LAN aims to raise awareness and improve communication between service providers, enable access to services and address issues that place barriers to women and childrens safety. The event was supported by Tusla Child & Family Agency and the LAN member organisations.  Guest speakers at the event included Priscilla Grainger, the founder of the Stop Domestic Violence in Ireland (SDVI) group, which is campaigning for domestic violence to be made a criminal offence. The event also heard some moving personal stories and accounts from local survivors of domestic abuse. Audio clips of interviews with women and children were played in which they spoke about some of their own harrowing experiences.  Artwork with written and embroidered pieces from women survivors were also on display at the event. The updated ‘Enough Is Enough’ booklet was launched by Anne Scully, Manager, Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.  This booklet was produced by the Waterford Local Area Network and funded by Waterford Court Services and Waterford City and County Council. Musician, Ria Hymas, Dungarvan, facilitated uplifting group singing throughout the event.