Minister Simon Harris and Garda Commissioner reassure survivors of domestic abuse that services are ‘Still Here this Christmas’

Minister for Justice Simon Harris TD has announced that 'Still Here', the national awareness campaign on domestic abuse, is being relaunched today, and will run over the Christmas holiday period.

The campaign was developed in April 2020 to inform and reassures people that supports and services are always available to those at risk or experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.

This message is particularly important over the Christmas period, when reports of domestic abuse can escalate.

Speaking on the campaign, Minister Harris said: "Unfortunately, we know that home is not a safe place for all of us.

"I want victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to know that they are not on their own, particularly at this time of year.

"An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other services, including the vital supports provided by our community and voluntary sector, are still here for you over the Christmas period."

Minister Harris continued: "The Still Here initiative between the Department of Justice, frontline State services and the community and voluntary sector, working together to support victims of domestic and sexual violence, continues.

"Our support for victims of domestic and sexual violence is steadfast."

The campaign will run on TV, radio, streaming video and audio services such as Spotify and YouTube, as well as on social media, in order to reach the widest audience possible. 

Commissioner Drew Harris (Pictured) said that An Garda Síochana 'is unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders.'

The campaign ads were developed by the Department of Justice in collaboration with a number of frontline services who work directly with victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne added: "I would encourage everyone to listen to these adverts: they portray the stark reality of the types of abuse many victims of domestic violence face.

"Those of us lucky enough to never experience such vile behaviors should educate ourselves on what we could do if we witnessed someone else being abused in such a way and how we could help."

He added: "The Department of Justice section of the gov.ie website has practical information for people who are concerned for someone they know, and for people who witness a stranger being abused.

"We should all be ready to help rid our society of domestic violence.”

An Garda Síochána (AGS) has stated that they will continue to reach out and make contact with victims to provide reassurance, support and to offer the assistance of local and specialised resources.

AGS said in a statement: "Gardaí will continue to treat all instances of Domestic Abuse as a priority over the festive period and once again re-enforces our commitment to 'keeping people safe', and in particular the victims of domestic and sexual abuse."

Commissioner Drew Harris further said: "AGS is unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders.

"We are focused on a number of operational areas that we believe will enhance how individual Gardaí respond to victims and incidents of domestic abuse to ensure that no matter where a person lives, the service and protection they receive from AGS will always be of a consistently high standard.

"This is true all year round and especially so at Christmas," Commissioner Harris concluded.

 Information on services and supports for survivors is available on the campaign website www.stillhere.ie.