Sir, - I welcome Mary T. Cleary's elucidation of Amen's official position in relation to female victims of domestic violence (April 27th). However, it is my firm opinion that the recent widespread debate which has focused on gender proportionality and domestic violence does in effect detract from the work done to highlight how common domestic violence against women is in Ireland. My letter was in response to Mr Water's long-time writing on this subject, notably in an article of October 12th last year.
Ms Cleary uses a recent article by Helen Coburn (Farmer's Journal) to support her position; I feel it is important to point out that other reports of that conference paint a different picture (e.g. Susan McKay, Sunday Tribune, April 2nd).
I was appalled that, in reponse to my letter of April 21st, Michael Stephens (April 27th) finds it necessary to categorise me as a feminist in an attempt to rationalise the opinions I expressed. Further, my letter stated that domestic violence affects both men and women, clearly implying that women too are capable of such violence.
Again, I ask: Is it not now time that this debate is moved forward to look at ways of encouraging victims to seek help, and more importantly to look at why people are violent within relationships so that in the longterm incidences of domestic violence can be eliminated? - Yours, etc.,
Sinead O'Keeffe, Dublin 8.