Claire Collins, was just 51 years old when she was murdered. Her story serves as another pervasive and devastating impact of domestic violence on families. Claire, not only lost her own life but left behind two shattered daughters and a grandchild who will never have the opportunity to know their grandmother. The ripple effect of such violence extends beyond the immediate victims, leaving a legacy of trauma that will persist for generations.
The circumstances of Claire’s death, a murder-suicide committed by her husband within the confines of their home, reflect a disturbing trend that is alarmingly on the rise. The phenomenon of murder-suicide within the context of domestic violence is becoming more common, pointing to the urgent need for comprehensive intervention and support systems. It is a manifestation of the broader issue of violence against women, one that has reached alarming proportions.
The statistics presented by Safe Ireland underscore the severity of the problem. In 2022, Safe Ireland reported the highest death toll of women killed in violent circumstances in the past decade, 12 deaths in the republic of Ireland, a further 2 in the North and 1 Irish woman living in London, bringing to 15 the total number of women who have died violently last year. Additionally, five children fell victim to horrific incidents of siblicide and domestic homicide, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of domestic abuse.
Disturbingly, 2023 has already witnessed the violent deaths of eight women due to domestic violence, indicating a continued and escalating crisis.
The root of this wide-scale social problem lies not only in individual acts of violence but also in a broader cultural acceptance of harmful attitudes and behaviours. Decades of neglect and insufficient investment in addressing the issue have contributed to its persistence.
To effect meaningful change, there must be a concerted effort to foster a cultural transformation that rejects violence and promotes a positive and respectful esteem for women in all spheres of private and public life. Only through such comprehensive cultural shifts can society hope to reverse the upward trend of domestic violence and break the cycle of trauma that afflicts countless families like Claire Collins’s.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control or domestic violence please reach out to Womens Aid or call them on 1800 341 900 or An Garda Siochana on 999 / 112.
