Service manager at Cavan and Monaghan's Domestic Abuse Support Service wants local victims to know that although abuse often intensifies over Christmas, "you are not alone". Siobhan McKenna from Tearmann says Christmas can be a frightening and isolating time for many as the family is together for an extended period of time. Speaking to Northern Sound, Siobhan said it's important for victims to share what they are experiencing with someone who is outside of their home.
The local service manager also highlighted the importance of "reaching out" and "seeking help." She added that professional services are out there and willing to help; "Reach out to us and make that call. Sit down with us and see what it is that we can do to support you. We have to start looking at the shame and responsivity back where it lies with and that's the perpetrator who is holding families to ransom and it's just not good enough."
