Cork singer Lyra on the Safe Home, Safe Pathways campaign

The ‘Safe Home, Safe Pathways’ campaign aims to raise awareness about domestic violence in Ireland …

Irish singer-songwriter Lyra, Safe Ireland and its partner Airbnb have launched a new ‘Safe Home, Safe Pathways’ initiative, encouraging the Irish public to stand together against domestic violence.

As part of the campaign, a symbolic door installation was unveiled on South King Street, Dublin 2 to illustrate the abuse many victims and their children endure daily behind closed doors.

Last year alone, An Garda Síochána responded to close to 60,000 emergency calls related to domestic violence, equivalent to one call every ten minutes. Each year, over 4,500 individuals (approximately 1,500 women and 3,000 children) find refuge in emergency accommodations across Ireland to escape domestic violence.

Since 2020, Airbnb has donated over €600,000 to Safe Ireland, which has provided direct survivor ‘flee fund’ financial support and amplified Airbnb’s provision of direct emergency hotel accommodation to Safe Ireland’s Network during the pandemic.

We spoke to Safe Ireland Ambassador Lyra about her involvement.

1. As your dad was one of the founding members of the Family Resource Centre in Bandon where you grew up, this cause must be very close to your heart?

My dad did amazing work there and they continue to be a vital part of the community. It was inspiring growing up seeing a group of individuals coming together to help people in need. That is what really struck a chord with me and that is what I want to emulate through my ambassadorship with Safe Ireland.

2. Why was it important to get involved?

I believe everyone has the right to live in a safe environment. For those who don’t, we need to create effective pathways out of abuse to help get them out of that situation. It was really important for me to get involved as domestic violence is a large-scale social problem that needs nationwide support. During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence global United Nations campaign, we’re encouraging the Irish public to support their local domestic violence services and we’re calling for all counties across the country to embed domestic violence responses into their local County Development Plans.

3. How do you encourage others to get involved?

By spreading the word, opening up the conversation and talking to their local community representatives, especially around election time, on what pathways out of abuse they can provide to help victims. We’re encouraging the Irish public to support their local frontline domestic violence service by donating whatever they can. There are 37 domestic abuse services located across Ireland. Services are free, confidential and available to all women. You can find and contact the service that is most convenient for you here.

4. What do you hope people take from the door installation?

I hope it reinforces the message that women and children endure a lot of abuse behind closed doors, that not all abuse is visible and to look a little closer. Our aim is to open those doors by creating community-based and nationwide pathways out of abuse for all victims.

5. What can be done to better support victims?

It’s crucial that we take action, speak up and support our local domestic violence services whenever we can. Even a simple conversation with friends and loved ones can be incredibly meaningful, reinforcing the message that support is available if they ever need it. Additionally, people can contribute by donating to their local domestic violence service here. Any amount is greatly appreciated and helps strengthen the services that are already in place.