A UN campaign called "16 Days of Activism" starts today.
The campaign raises awareness about gender-based violence - as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels.
Lisa Morris Manager of Amber Women's Refuge in Kilkenny explained the campaign to Beat News:
"The 16 Days of Action is activism against gender-based violence. It's a national, local and international campaign.
It is to challenge violence against women and girls.It's commencing on the 25th of November, which marks an international day for the elimination of violence against women.
It ends on the 10th of December on International Human Rights Day and it is the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
What the 16 Days of Actions Campaign does gives us an opportunity to change the conversation around domestic abuse and to stand in solidarity with the 1 in 5 women affected n Ireland by Domestic Violence.
We have an event taking place next Tuesday, the 29th November and it's an event for The 16 Days of Action, so it's on in Butler House in Kilkenny, from 11 o' clock until 1 o' clock."
Clare Williams, manager of The Wexford Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service tells Beat News about an event running as part of the campaign:
"The issue of physical and sexual violence against women has been on going for many many years now particularly in Ireland and it occurs in all social classes, all ethnic groups and cultures and people from all backgrounds.
We are aware of many women in violent situations that need help and support on an on-going basis and really only a small percentage of those are able to come forward for support. So it's important that we are making people aware that support is out there and there are places to come for help to get out of those situations."
While Don Hennessy from the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency said:
"What we need to inform the young girls is that they should never take responsibility for anything that isn't their responsibility and in all abusive relationships the first step that happens is the young boy begins to blame the young girl for something which isn't her fault."
The only effective bystander intervention is a non-violent one.
If you see or suspect domestic abuse in the South East visit www.whatwouldyoudo.ie or call 999.
