Thread by @RachAnnFagan

Just finished watching the #RTEInvestigates programme on Domestic Violence. I have so many thoughts on this as someone who works frequently with victims of DSGBV. 🧵⬇️

I have worked for over 6 years with @DorasIRL as a legal officer. During the Covid-19 lockdowns I was contacted by more women than I have been in the previous years combined.

Migrant women are in particularly vulnerable positions due to tenuous immigration statuses. Unless you have a stamp 4 you are not eligible for any state supports. No child benefit, no HAP, no social welfare.

This leaves these women totally dependent on their partners. Women may apply for independent status however this process is complex. I have seen women give up, leave a refuge and return to a partner as they were without supports for months waiting for a change of status.

The courts system needs a serious overhaul to deal with DV & in particular knowledge of how immigration status intersects for migrant women in abusive relationships. Cultural & language barriers also keep women from accessing services as they are unaware of supports.

Last year I was made aware of a judge who told a woman to return to her abuser to deal with her immigration and that she would not obtain independent status. This is not only completely incorrect it is re-traumatising & dangerous for this woman. She did get independent status.

I have also seen issues with HAP and social welfare supports being denied to women due to lack of immigration status, confusion over immigration status, and lack of understanding of coercive control.

Many staff who work in refuges are unaware of the complexities surrounding immigration and do not know how to apply for independent status. Information on the immigration website is confusing, outdated, and in some places incorrect.

The unfortunate stats on abuse during pregnancy also highlight the need for a midwifery led continuity of care model. Women are very reluctant to disclose first time abuse in pregnancy unless it is with someone they feel safe and trusted with. #bettermaternitycare

The issues are many and complex, I am calling on @HMcEntee and the @DeptJusticeIRL to publish the new national strategy on DSGBV now. It was due in December, what is the hold up? This is a crisis.

@NWCI @CovidWomenVoice @Womens_Aid @adaptdomestica1 @immigrationIRL @NascIreland @irishmigrants @MigrantRightsIr @DorasIRL @OrlaNWCI @neasa_neasa @hazechu @CMAHomebirthIrl @MidwivesIreland