Campaign Against Domestic Violence in East Meath

As part of Sinn Féin's ongoing campaign against Domestic Violence and in support of the International 16-Day Campaign on Violence against Women, Slane County Council candidate Sinéad Burke announced that thousands of postcards will be distributed in the East Meath outlining the party's five demands for tackling domestic violence.
She said, "A number of local door-drops will take place over the coming weeks in across Duleek, Slane and Meath Coast. Domestic violence is silent crime that devastates the lives of those living in perpetual fear of their abusers. One in five women will suffer domestic violence at some part of their lives yet, because of
low levels of reportage, this is a crime that generally goes unnoticed and receives a low Garda Priority. Indeed we highlighted domestic violence in our submission to the Meath Policing Plan.
"Sinn Féin's ongoing campaign against Domestic Violence centres around five key demands. We want increased safe, suitable emergency and long-term accommodation for victims, the lack of which is a key factor which impedes victims from coming forward to report their ordeals.
"Training for frontline staff including; housing officers, community welfare officers, Gardaí and A&E workers is essential. It is crucial that the first point of contact for victims who decide to seek help is trained and capable of dealing with the specific needs of the victim. Legislative reforms to ensure legal protections are available to all
victims are also necessary.
"Finally, domestic violence must be included as a named priority in the Meath Gardaí Síochána Policing Plans. Though Gardaí may receive more calls to deal with crimes of other natures it is clear from the statistics that domestic violence is one of the most prevalent crimes in Irish society and needs to be prioritised accordingly.
"It is our firm belief that if these five demands are delivered on by government men and women could truly begin to look forward to a society free of domestic violence."

By Way of Introduction!

My name is Sinéad Burke. I have been selected to contest the local elections in 2009 on behalf of Sinn Féin in the Slane Electoral Area, in Co. Meath.
I am a 30 year old, married mother of one son. I live in Dunmoe, near Slane. I attended St Michael's Loretto Convent and later earned a Diploma in Journalism and Radio Production from Ballyfermot Senior College and a Certificate in Community Development and Leadership from NUI Maynooth.

I worked in television, film and radio for a number of years, then made the move into Community Development, where I have spent the last 7 years, editing a national magazine and working with local community groups.
I come from a strongly Republican family and have been a highly active member of Meath Sinn Féin for the past 6 years. During this time I have played a leading role in many campaigns in the county and worked tirelessly with local communities, groups and residents associations. I have been involved in educational, intercultural, and anti-poverty initiatives.

Sinn Féin is committed to a 32 county Ireland of Equals. Sinn Féin offers an alternative to the Status Quo, corruption and failures of the past. Sinn Féin, across this island, works with and delivers for local communities. I will certainly continue in this vain.