Domestic Violence Coalition marks 16 Days of Action- Xiu’s Story
The following case study is based on real accounts as told to a member organisation of the Domestic Violence Coalition. Specific details and circumstances have been changed in the interests of protecting identity and to preserve the confidential nature of the assistance provided. We are sharing one case study every day to mark the 16 Days of Action campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence situations.
The Domestic Violence Coalition is made up of the following organisations: Womens Aid, Adapt Domestic Abuse Services, Doras Luimní, Nasc – the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service Sligo, Akidwa, Longford Women’s Link, Sonas Housing, the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Ascend Domestic Abuse Service.
Case Study 5
Xiu is originally from China, she speaks Mandarin and is unable to speak English. Since she came to Ireland with her husband, he has kept her prisoner in their house, he treats her like a slave and is only too willing to use his fists to ‘get her into line’. She describes herself as his sex slave, he takes it as he pleases and no is not an option, she knows no one here and has nowhere to turn. The last time he beat her she ended up in hospital as she lost consciousness, she is now back home with him. Xiu doesn’t know where to turn she cannot leave her Husband as she would be unlikely to get access to any state supports, she cannot return home to China with a failed marriage as she feels she will be cast out of her community. Xiu is currently receiving support form a member organisation of the Domestic Violence Coalition.
