Press Release December 2005
Challenging Myths and Misinformation about Irish Travellers
RECOGNITION: Traveller Focus Week 2005
8th December 2005, 11.00am
NCCRI, Third Floor, Jervis House, Jervis Street Dublin 1.
Myths such that 'Travellers choose to live on the side of the road'; or that 'Travellers do not pay tax' or that 'Travellers do not choose to be part of Irish society' are among others debunked at the launch of a leaflet "Traveller Myths: Challenging Recurring Myths and Misinformation about Irish Travellers" as part of Traveller Focus Week this morning by Philip Watt, the Director of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI). "This misinformation can demonise a vulnerable community and this is the case for Travellers", Mr Watt said at this morning's launch.
A second brochure "Challenging the Misconceptions of Violence Against Minority Ethnic Women, including Travellers, in Ireland" is a guide for service providers addressing the issue of violence against women. "Traveller women, at very vulnerable times in our lives, shouldn't be forced into making a choice between seeking safety (in a refuge or from the Gardaíí) or feeling ashamed for reinforcing negative images of our community" said Rosaleen McDonagh, coordinator Violence Against Women Programme, Pavee Point, at the launch this morning.
The brochure was formally launched by Ms. Melanie Verwoerd,former South African Ambassador to Ireland.
"You can't win. If you are saying that there is no violence happening to you, then you can't get help. When you say that there is violence in your home people will say it is because you are who you are. That it is just part of your culture. Which one is better?" (From Focus Groups on Violence against Minority Ethnic Women)
Irish Travellers: Challenging the Myths
Download the leaflet (PDF format)
Challenging the Misconceptions of Violence against Minority
Ethnic Women, including Travellers, in Ireland: An Information brochure
Download the leaflet (PDF format)