The Clare Local Area Network have just launched their one day seminar as part of the nationwide “16 days” campaign against gender based violence at the Civic Rooms at Waterpark House in Ennis tomorrow 19th of October.
This seminar is free and open to all and there will be two free sessions, one at 9.45am and the 2nd after lunch at 2pm. Childcare can be provided once it is booked in advance – 065 68 24 646. There will be two speakers followed by a question and answer and networking session.
This year the theme is “Hearing the Child” .
Do we listen to the child affected by domestic abuse? Research has shown that children affected by Domestic Abuse can suffer a range of developmental and psychological problems. As a public health concern, the Clare Local Area Network are committed to supporting a whole community response to ensure that children are not exposed to Domestic Violence
Traditionally the focus in domestic abuse has been on the adults, in this free seminar we will discuss actual listening to and not just hearing the child. The seminar will provide practical tools to help improve how we listen to the child affected by Domestic Abuse. We will also help develop a better understanding of the impact a violent home has on the child and enabling the mother and the wider family unit to protect, assist and help that child recover from the abuse.
“From a personal perspective, a policing perspective and an interagency perspective I hope this event encourages each person and agency to work together to keep our children safe to ask the question of mothers ‘what can we do to support you to keep you and your children safe?” said Sergeant Caitriona Holohan Chairperson of the Clare Local Area Network.
Cllr Mary Howard is also a member of the Clare Local Area Network, “we need to attempt to understand the impact on children with being part of or witnessing domestic violence. We need to know what is the breath, nature and adequacy of domestic violence services for our children. Is it fair, reasonable and effective?” she said.
There will be three speakers at both sessions on the day:
Ms Madeleine Bell who is a Domestic Violence Trainer and Expert Domestic Abuse Risk Assessor within the field of Domestic Abuse from a safeguarding children’s perspective for over 30 years.
Ms Jacqui Deevey, Manager of Support Services for Children and their Families at TUSLA,
Inspector Davis Finnerty, based at Ennis Garda Station.
The Clare Local Area Network is a local partnership and includes, the HSE, TUSLA, Clare Mental Health Services, Rape Crisis Midwest, Clare Haven Services, Haven Horizons, Clare Women’s Network, Primary Health Care Programme and Homeless Unit Clare County Council