National Women’s Council calls for unity in the face of violence against women

Published: Thursday, July 09, 2026

NWC says violence against women is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men known to them and that scapegoating migrants distracts from the real issues and solutions

Press release for immediate release

The National Women’s Council has called on all of society to unify in the face of violence against women, and to demand a trauma-informed justice system; resources for frontline services; and real long-term solutions for survivors, such as housing.

NWC’s Executive Director Corrinne Hasson said:

“We all want to see a society where women, and everyone, can live free from violence and abuse. But violence against women remains shockingly high. 1 in 2 women in Ireland experience sexual violence in their lifetime. More than 1 in 3 women have experienced domestic abuse or intimate partner violence. And the number of women killed in 2026 has already surpassed the number killed in 2025.”

“In the vast majority of cases – 84% – the perpetrators of gender-based violence are known to the women, and can be their partners, fathers, sons, friends, the list goes on. Those who choose to scapegoat migrants often ignore violence perpetrated by white Irish men, and in doing so, distract from the real issue.”

“The real issue is how we as a society respond to this problem. The brilliant services available to women who experience violence are woefully overstretched and under-resourced.  We know that sometimes when women reach out for help – one of the most difficult things for a woman in this situation to do – help is difficult to access. She may have to leave her home and find there is no suitable emergency or long-term housing available. Often, when survivors seek justice through the Courts system, their name and character is smeared and they are subjected to legal systems that are incredibly retraumatising. Or, they are simply not believed when they ask for help. These are the real issues and we must keep the focus on them.”

“This is the moment to take a stand against violence and against racism. Our movement for women’s equality in Ireland has always been strongest when we build bridges and not walls. And in this moment, as racism and misogyny grow louder in some corners, we will be louder still.  We will be louder for justice, we will be louder for love, we will be louder for an Ireland and a world where safety is a right.”

NWC reiterates our long-standing calls on reform of the justice system; for resources for frontline services, and for long-term housing solutions for survivors.

Ends/

For comment: Corrinne Hasson

For more information, please contact Sinéad Nolan, NWC Senior Communications Coordinator, on sineadn@nwci.ie

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About NWC

The National Women’s Council (NWC) is the leading representative organisation working for women’s rights and equality across the island of Ireland, founded in 1973.  

We are rooted in our membership. We work together with our almost 200 member groups across the island of Ireland and a growing community of individual supporters to deliver on our purpose – to achieve women’s rights and equality. Our Vision is a feminist Ireland that is just and caring, where everyone thrives. Our Mission is to lead transformative action to achieve women’s rights and equality through mobilising, influencing and building solidarity. Find out more on www.nwci.ie