My name is Priscilla. I am a woman. I am an Irish citizen. As a woman, I do not feel safe in Ireland. As a child, I did not feel safe in my home in Ireland. I am calling on the Irish Government to empower all girls and women in Ireland with self defence skills as a matter of urgency. (Not forgetting young or adult males who wish to be be included).

According to a recent report 'Femicide Watch 2018' carried out by Women's Aid charity " the vast majority of women murdered in Ireland are killed by a man they know, over half of women were killed by their current or former partner and 61% of women were killed in their own homes. 

Tragically, since records began in 1996, 225 women have died violently, with 16 children being killed alongside their mothers.

750 disclosures were made by women in 2018 who were assaulted (choked, smothered or beaten) or were threatened with a weapon, 217 reports of assault during pregnancy, and 600 instances where a man told a woman he would kill her, the children, a family member or himself "

I acknowledge that men also experience domestic abuse by women, but females are at an immediate disadvantage because we are not born with the same physical strength. Therefore, it is imperative that we are empowered with the ability and skills to defend ourselves from a young age. 

I would like to see all Schools in Ireland incorporating Self-Defence Classes for girls immediately and free of charge. I would like to see all adult women in Ireland being given immediate access to self-defence classes in their local communities free of charge.   

Help save the lives of the woman and children of Ireland. Please sign this petition.