`Once is too much' exhibition highlights anti-women violence
By Frances McGinley
exhibition entitled ``Once Is Too Much'' which explores violence
against women, was offcially launched on Saturday in the Orchard
Gallery in Derry. The exhibit is the work of seventeen women from St.
Michael's Estate in Inchicore in Dublin.
The exhibition draws attention to the issue of violence agianst women
in Irish society. It explores the capability of those who are
disempowered through ecenomic, social, cultural or violent
marginalisation to empower themselves.
Rita Fagan, project co-ordinator at the Family Resource Centre,
explained, ``in 1991 one of our volunteers went to the assistance of a
friend who was being beaten by a man, a man who could not control his
temper. This action resulted in the death of Mary Bailey''.
``This suddenly brought home to us that men do kill. Because of this
loss we decided we had to change the way we approach this issue. It
was important for us to involve all the key players in the community
who have a role to play in addressing the problem''.
She continued, ``analysing the issue of violence against women through
education, it became apparent we must address the issue of power and
control of men over women. When a woman gets killed this is the
extreme end of power and control. The problem however is the
inequalities which exist between men and women, this is reflected in
the structures in society. It must also be recognised that this is a
global issue.''
The exhibition remembers the fifty seven women who have been killed
between December 1995 and March 1999 in the island of Ireland, twelve
of these women have been killed in the North of Ireland. It is hoped
this exhibition will begin to raise awareness through debate and
discussion and eventually change attitudes which lead to the key
issues of prevention, provision, protection and protest.
Ms Fagan added ``We are not saying all men are bad but men benefit as
a result of having women in fear. Violence is a matter of choice, you
can choose. It is not just about poverty or drink, this is an issue
which cuts across class and culture. The system has not put in the
resources which are needed to tackle this problem. The law must be
changed to reflect the seriousness of this crime and a major review
of sentencing is required in order to address the fact that women are
dying as a result of this violence.''
Sinn Fein Councillor Cathal Crumley, who is the chair for Derry City
Council's Recreation and Leisure Committee, and attended the launch
of the exhibition, said, ``the issue of domestic violence is an
important social issue, and I would strongly urge people to visit
this powerful exhibition which crystallises this long standing social
problem.''
Cllr Crumley continued, ``it is time to acknowledge the true nature
and extent of domestic abuse and violence visited upon women in
society. I am quite sure many people are unaware of the levels of
abuse which actually exist and the lack of support for victims from
the statutory agencies.''
``Within our society an attitude exists which continues to blame women
for the mental and physical ordeal they are continuously subjected
to. There is a marked failure to recognise the effect which this
abuse and violence also has on children who witness such behaviour.''
Mr Crumley believes it is a matter of great concern that the courts
still fail to recognise the emotional abuse which actually accounts
for a large proportion of the trauma which women endure.
He added, ``there has to be a concerted response from the statutory
agencies which will provide women with the adequate support and
services which at present is not available. Society must change its
attitude towards domestic violence and accept women are not
responsible for being victims and resourses must be made available to
comprehensively address this intolerable situation.''
Bernie Dwyer, from the Cuba Solidarity Campaign attended the opening
with Xonia Zayas Aguero who represents the Cuban Union of Artists and
Writers. Ms Aguero is visiting Ireland on a cultural exchange
programme which has been facilitated by St Michael's Estate.
She said, ``this is the beginning of interchange between Irish and
Cuban women. It is very important for us to find out the kind of work
which is being done here in Ireland and to explore the human aspect
of this work and to see how it meets peoples needs. ``This will
hopefully become useful in helping us to deal with problems and
issues in a practical and meaningful way.''
Ms Dwyer said, ``last year I signed a letter of intention with UNEAC
to do exchanges with Cuba. These were basically to do with art in the
community and they aimed to bring together different experiences and
see how communties dealt with them. Art was used mainly as the medium
of this expression although it also brought in others including
writers, painters, actors and musicians. Although art cannot change
the fundamental issue of violence against women it can prepare the
ground for further discussion and debate.''
The exhibition will be open to the public until March 28th and
admission is free.
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)