The DkIT RiVeR Project officially launches its ground-breaking podcast series in the area of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
- New podcast series features conversations with experts, advocates and victim/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
- Launch event featured expert panel including; Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney, National Domestic Abuse Unit; Dr. Michelle Walsh, CEO of MOVE Ireland; Annmarie Kennedy, Rape Crisis North East and Karl Heller, Men’s Aid Ireland
Through the RiVeR Project Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is responding to the impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) through research, education and training. Today (May 1st), the team proudly launched its new podcast series: Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, an initiative designed to share knowledge, amplify voices and spark conversations. The launch event, held on the DkIT campus, was another milestone for the RiVeR Project team in its ongoing efforts to provide critical resources to the community.
The collaborative podcast series has been put together through the extensive Community of Practice network that has been built by the RiVeR Project team and features conversations with experts, advocates and victim/survivors of DSGBV, exploring a broad range of experiences, challenges and innovative responses. The team behind the RiVeR Project is constantly evolving to find new ways to communicate and reach as wide an audience as possible and challenging themselves to be innovative in responding to the widespread problem of DSGBV.
The RiVeR Project, which is funded under the Higher Education Authority Performance Funding, is a national initiative based in DkIT which has been initiated to support and facilitate frontline services who respond to the impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence through research, education and training. This project is a ground-breaking multi-agency approach to a national problem.
The launch of the podcast series was marked by an event, hosted by journalist, broadcaster and author Alison O’Connor, which featured a panel of experts in the area including; Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney from the National Domestic Abuse Unit, CEO of MOVE Ireland, Dr. Michelle Walsh, who recorded a podcast with her colleague Lisa Brown; Annmarie Kennedy from the Rape Crisis North East, who was one of three from the Rape Crisis North East who took part in their podcast. Karl Heller from Men’s Aid Ireland also joined the panel to discuss the Podcast recorded by Kathrina Bentley, their former CEO.
The event was opened by Dr. Edel Healy, who welcomed the attendees both in person and online and provided a brief introduction to the RiVeR Project and the essential work carried out by the team.
The audience was addressed by Dr. Kathleen Nallen, RiVeR Project Lead about the project’s recent successes and ongoing work. Speaking about the launch of the podcast, Kathleen said: “One of the most exciting and innovative outputs of the RiVeR Project is its new podcast series. The series will feature conversations with experts, advocates and victim/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, exploring a broad range of experiences, challenges and innovative responses. Hosted by the DkIT RiVeR Project team, the podcast series aims to raise awareness, share knowledge and foster informed dialogue across communities and sectors. Podcasts will be available in both video and audio format via the RiVeR Project website, the DkIT YouTube channel, Spotify and all official RiVeR Project social media platforms.”
Attendees then heard some snippets from the podcast recordings, followed by in depth discussion with the panel of experts on some of the podcast topics. Two major themes emerged across all of the podcasts discussed on the day. These included, Capacity building (Education & Training) and Innovative Practice, both of which are key areas of focus in the Government’s third national strategy: Zero tolerance against Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Collaboration among organisations in the face of responding to the issue of DSGBV was something which was also seen as vital by all contributors. Dr. Michelle Walsh – CEO MOVE Ireland said: “I see this podcast series as an invaluable resource and learning tool for those working in the DSGBV sector in Ireland. No one organisation has the answer to ending DSGBV in Ireland but by collaborating and sharing we can help bring about learning and change in this sector and I feel that this podcast series is a great step in that direction.” The need to work together to combat the issue of DSGBV was something which was also reflected on by Karl Heller from Men’s Aid Ireland, who said: “Any crime associated with Domestic Violence is a crime against the wider community. We must work together to support victims (survivors) as they negotiate pathways to safety. Men’s Aid is working towards the day when the needs of all victims of Domestic Violence are supported.”
The podcast series has been designed as a new and essential platform for educating listeners, empowering victims/survivors, and driving positive change in the fight against Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based violence. It will also provide actionable resources for those impacted by allowing the audience to learn from and engage with experts, advocates and individuals who have been directly affected.
Speaking at the event, Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney from the National Domestic Abuse Unit said: “An Garda Síochána are delighted to be part of this amazing Podcast Series. Education about legal rights and resources available for victims of domestic abuse can help and empower individuals to navigate the often complex legal system. Education, providing that it is in an easily accessible format such as a podcast, is a powerful tool in both preventing domestic abuse and supporting those affected by it, contributing to healthier communities and relationships.”
Annmarie Kennedy, Counsellor, Rape Crisis Northeast added: “This podcast series is a powerful tool for deepening professional understanding of the complex realities surrounding domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. By bringing together voices from frontline services, legal experts and survivor advocates, we not only share knowledge but also emphasise the importance of trauma-informed, empathetic responses in all professional settings. As a psychotherapist and educator, I believe this series strengthens our collective capacity to support survivors with compassion, integrity and respect.”
The RiVeR Project Podcasts can be accessed on:
Find out more about the RiVeR Project
CONTACT: Siobhan Jordan, Media & Communications Officer, Siobhan.jordan1@dkit.ie
