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  • Vision of Europe

CoR member Alison Gilliland (IE/PES), Dublin City Councillor, organised an EU local dialogue on Combatting Domestic Abuse and Promoting Women's Safety in our Streets.

The event considered 2 sub-themes:

a) support for the victims of domestic abuse

b) how urban design can support the sense of safety in our streets.

The dialogue took place on the 22nd February 2024, in a local social club, in an area of the city of Dublin, that can be vulnerable to safety issues. After opening remarks the event heard from two panels, one focusing on each sub-theme. The panel participants offered their experiences and expertise in their respective area, followed by an audience Q&A.

The event raised awareness of the issues discussed, the support that are and can be put in place and good practices being implemented at Dublin City level and at EU level with a particular focus on the achievements of Zagreb, related by Joško Klisović (HR/PES), President of Zagren City Assembly. 

This event highlighted good practices in the areas of urban design and mobility and encourage their use. On this direction: the event concluded on following steps, i.e. (but not exhausted):

  1. Safety in our cities needs to be framed beyond male aggression to include aspects of the public realm that make women and all who feel vulnerable feel safe.
  2. Ongoing data collection and analysis supports good policy making.
  3. It is essential that intersectionality is considered when establishing support for women suffering domestic, gender and sexual based violence especially for migrant women and members of the LGBTQI community.
  4. Education and awareness raising including among young males can support understanding of violence against women.
  5. Counteracting sexism including colleagues and friends can be difficult but rather than remain silent a simple 'I don't really get that, can you explain' comment can get the message across that the sexist comment was unacceptable.

Background information:

Incidents of domestic abuse and violence against women soared in Dublin during the Covid pandemic and support organisations struggled to cope. City police force have responded pro-actively however many are unaware of this area of their work - the event will highlight this.

The emptying out of the city also during the pandemic left the city bereft of citizen footfall and led to people, especially women, feeling unsafe in the city. While the city has recovered there is still a sense that the city is not completely safe particular at night for those using public transport or more active travel. Recent riots have reversed progress made. This event will highlight good practices in the areas of urban design and mobility and encourage their use.

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