A DONEGAL teacher who addressed a major conference on domestic violence leave for registered teachers has welcomed a teachers’ union support.
Marina Carlin is a teacher in Scoil Mhuire Buncrana.
She is also a member of the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) Central Executive Committee (CEC) and member of the National Equality committee of the union.
She spoke to delegates on the subject of ‘Domestic Violence leave for Registered teachers’ at the annual Easter convention of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) in Wexford last week.
Ms Carlin cited the national statistics of 25 per cent of women and six per cent of men experiencing domestic violence and stated that the male statistics was said to be very under-reported as studies show men find it more difficult to report abuse.
“These statistics are harrowing and given the number at convention it is entirely conceivable that teachers here have experienced it themselves or know victims in their own schools.
“This statutory leave is a crucial development and a very welcome step. It means that it has been officially recognised by the Department of Education that domestic violence is happening to teachers,” she said.
She pointed out that the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act (2023) allows for up to five days paid domestic violence leave over a period of 12 months and can be used by a victim themselves or where a teacher is supporting a colleague or relevant person.
It can be used to access help from An Garda Siochana, source alternative accommodation, get a court order, seek medical attention or go to counselling/other services.
Ms Carlin emphasised the need for absolute confidentiality when processing this leave and highlighted a clause in the Act which directs that all information and records pertaining to this leave is stored in a safe and secure manner.
“Research has shown that leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence and that disclosures of violence can lead to the risk of even more escalated retribution by the abuser. It is also important to note that domestic violence is extremely complex and research also indicates that survivors of abuse can return to their abusive partners on average of up to seven times before they leave for good, for a myriad of reasons including fear of what the perpetrator will do, shame, intimidation, low self esteem, disability and lack of resources.”
She also stressed that workplaces are often the only safe spaces for a victim as it is often the one place where the abuser has no power to isolate or alienate them, that is why people in a position to support a survivor can play a crucial role in empowering victims to stay safe or leave for good as empowering victims of domestic violence is essential on the road to recovery.
Since November of last year statutory leave has been introduced which requires employers to offer paid leave to workers who are victims of domestic violence and it also allows colleagues to support victims.
Ireland has become one of the first countries in the EU to introduce this leave.
ASTI said that any members who experience domestic abuse can contact its Employee Assistance Service for free counselling at 1800411057.
Marina Carlin is also an Autism Special class teacher, a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI) Senate, a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Chairperson of Donegal Youth Service Board Of Directors.
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