Launch of Open Door - breaking the silence on violence against women and children

Published: Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Community Respond to Violence against Women and Children through the power of print.
Speaking out on the issue of domestic and sexual abuse is challenging but a challenge that has been taken up by Kerry's own network on violence against women and children. Over the past year they have collected articles, stories and poems from both survivors of abuse and activists from the sector. All contributors gave their articles freely in the aim that this book will raise awareness of the services available to women and children in crisis in our County and in Ireland, as well as encouraging a positive community response for any woman or child who discloses that they have experienced intimate violence in their life, be it physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
Open Secret - breaking the silence on violence against women and children, is a contemporary look at the issues of domestic and sexual violence, its impact on families, communities and society. It is essential reading for everyone who cares about equality. This collection of writings will inspire an examination of our responses to women and children who live with the effect of abuse.
The Open Door Network is Kerry's response to Violence against Women and Children. Since 1996 our members have worked together to inform, support and build a co-ordinated community response to Violence against Women across Kerry. This publication aims to share our learning and harness the experiences of survivors, supporters and service providers. Miriam O'Callaghan - Presenter has endorsed 'the publication stating that 'it is a must read for anyone serious about examining the issue of violence against women and children. She has called it a collection of thought provoking emotional and sometimes controversial writings that display the writers' passions, beliefs and experiences'.

The 18th November will see the book officially launched by Susan McKay - Journalist and Director of the National Women's Council who is one of the contributors, the launch will take place at the Open Door Networks annual conference 'Behind Closed Doors' in Manor West Hotel Tralee. The conference will take the opportunity to look at the issue of 'tackling violence and abuse in families and relationships' with key note speakers Prof. Linda McKie and Dr. Nancy Lombard and an opening address by Fergus Finlay of Barnardo's Ireland. Further details on the book and the conference are available from www.opendoornetwork.net or from Catherine on 087 6169704.

If you are affected by any of these issues please speak to one of these agencies;
ADAPT - Kerry's Womens Refuge and Support Services - 066 7129100
Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre - 1800 633 333
Tralee Women's Resource Centre - 066 71 20622