'Part of being a girl.'

Today we're launching our version of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Every year domestic violence services and people passionate about the issue around the world dedicate the 25th of November - 10th of December to raising awareness about gender-based violence.

This year we will be taking part and raising awareness about gender-based violence and raising money for Women's Aid. You can donate to the cause here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SisterhoodJournals

Why are we doing this?

From age 0 I learned what domestic violence was because I was born into it.

Society showed me that it was victim/survivor in my families responsibility to leave their home with all of their children and start a whole new life somewhere else, not the abusers.

The abuse didn't stop the day we left, just the way they abused changed.

Their life never stopped. Nothing ever changed for them. There were no consequences. No justice. And certainly no accountability.

My families story isn't rare, this happens around the country every single day.

1 in 4 women in Ireland will or have been subjected to some form of abuse by a current or ex partner.

And that number only covers the people who have reported it.

We never reported it. But we exist.

If you picture your group of friends, your family members, your classmates, your colleagues, how many of the women in your life have experienced some form of abuse? I'd guess almost all of them.

The unwanted touching on nights out, the threats of harming themselves when you try to leave, the gaslighting, the inappropriate comments about your appearance, the list is endless.

These are all examples of different types of abuse.

We are conditioned to see these things as part of being a girl.

It's why almost every woman you know dreads these dark evenings. That walk you used to take at 5pm is no longer safe. Even walking to your car after work you're checking over your shoulder, holding your key in-between your fingers, texting your friends so they know where you are.

Yet, the scary reality is that most abuse that happens to women and girls doesn't happen in the streets by strangers. This does happen of course, but statistically speaking, most abusers are someone the victim/survivor knows and trusts.

The scary people aren't always the ones you pass on the street, they're the ones you sleep beside at night.

This isn't part of being a girl or a woman. This is not okay. Every single person deserves to feel safe in their homes and on the streets.

Which is why we will be using the next 16 days to share information, raise awareness and say no to gender-based violence.

We will share supports to the domestic violence services around the country who work every single day to support victim/survivors.

We will be raising funds for Women's Ireland as our national domestic violence service who are celebrating 50 years in service this year.

They provide support 24/7 365 days a year to people all over the country.

You can contact Women's Aid anytime for free at: 1800 341 900

You can donate at: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SisterhoodJournals

Find out information on Women's Aid at: https://www.womensaid.ie/

We acknowledge and respect that other genders can be victims of domestic violence too. We are honouring women right now as the 16 days campaign is focused on ending violence against women and girls. Please if you are a man and you need support reach out to Men's Aid at 01 554 3811 or visit mensaid.ie