Diocesan News
Mothers’ Union Gold Award for domestic abuse awareness in Kenmare
On Pentecost Sunday in St Patrick’s Church, Kenmare and Dromod Mothers’ Union received the Rise Up Gold Award for its work in raising awareness about domestic violence. Kenmare is the first parish in the Republic to achieve this level, and one of only three on the island of Ireland. Rise Up stands for the need to respond, inform, support, empower, unite and pray on this issue which holds back the lives of many people across our island, who each have their own story to tell.
The priest–in–charge of Kenmare and Dromod Union is Canon Michael Cavanagh and in this TLK Podcast, he talks about the project which led to the Gold Award. You can get in touch with Michael to find out more by emailing [email protected] or calling him on 087 160 6312.
Canon Cavanagh has also written an ‘open letter to my abuser’ which puts in words some of the feelings that a wife, husband, partner, child or other person who is experiencing abuse may have towards the person who is responsible. Readers can open it in a PDF format here or in an image file here.
Please remember that you are not alone if you have been affected by abuse. If you need any support, advice and signposting, getting in touch with one or more of the following organisations can be the first step towards receiving help:
Northern Ireland
24–hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline – 0808 802 1414
Email: [email protected]
Text support: 07797 805 839
If you are in an emergency situation, contact the PSNI on 999.
In a non–emergency situation, dial 101.
Republic of Ireland
24–hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline – 1800 341 900
If you are in an emergency situation, contact the Gardaí on 999.
In a non–emergency situation, dial 112.
Diocesan Communications Officer, Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe
089 448 9353
Stephen Fletcher
[email protected]