Violence against women and domestic violence are ongoing features of Irish society. 1 in 5 women have been subjected to domestic violence. This is unacceptable. There have been government commitments in recent years to deal with the crisis but progress is too slow and incidents are increasing. Out of 47 states of the Council of Europe, Ireland is one of 18 that have not signed the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. With its strong focus on prevention, protection and prosecution and incorporating best practice from around the globe, signing and ratifying this Convention would be a major step towards successfully combating violence against women in Ireland and in Europe.
Please write to your local representative today to show your support for Ireland to sign the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU, at the end of June 2013.

Minister Noonan recently confirmed that maternity benefit will be taxed as of 1st July 2013.  Women who are on low and middle incomes and do not get a full top-up salary payment from their employers will be hit hardest by this measure, putting them under severe financial pressure. Write to your TDs and Senators today to call on Minister Noonan to exempt new mothers who do not get a full salary top up from maternity benefit tax. Thank you for your support!