Noeline Blackwell visits Roscrea for talk on gender based violence

NOELINE Blackwell, the former head of the Dublin Rape Crisis centre and who is very well known for her work on women's rights and safety in the community, visited Roscrea last week to address a gathering in the Muintir na Tíre Hall.

The United Nation's 16 Days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence begins on November 25th and ends on Human Rights Day on December 10th.

The MU (Mothers' Union) is an international Christian charity that has been supporting families for over 140 years.

The MU supports the 16 Days with an annual vigil in evey diocese in Ireland.

Pictured above is Mothers Union Diocesan President, Lucy Kavanagh with Canon Jane Galbraith, Mothers Union Diocesan Chaplain and guest speaker Noeline Blackwell before her address to the domestic violence talk in Roscrea. Photo: PJ Wright

The Dioceses of Tuam Limerick and Killaloe this year marked it's opening by hosting an address by Noeline Blackwell, who has recently retired from The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

Ms Blackwell spoke about the need to “not keep silent” about domestic abuse of women and men, and that the more people speak out about this most “disruptive activity in society” the more likely it is to become totally unacceptable.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s former CEO, Noeline Blackwell, retired from the role in the autumn, having led the organisation since March 2016.

The voluntary organisation offers a range of services to victims and survivors of sexual violence.

Noeline Blackwell, a solicitor who was previously Director General of access-to-justice campaign group FLAC, was last year presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Irish Law Awards 2022.

She said she was delighted to visit Roscrea. The Muintir na Tire Hall was a perfect venue, where the Mothers Union are very well cared for by caretaker, Eugene.