This week saw the tragic and senseless murder of 23-year-old Ashling Murphy in Co. Offaly, in the Irish republic. The primary school teacher was attacked while she went on a run in broad daylight. Her murder has sent shock waves, anger and devastation throughout communities across the country and beyond. Vigils organised in her memory were attended by tens of thousands in various cities, towns and villages in Ireland, North and South. More vigils have taken place in countries with historically big Irish immigrant populations, including Scotland, England, Australia, the US and elsewhere.
The violent end to Ashling Murphy’s tragically short life has understandably led to increased fear among women for their own safety, and it has shone a light on the violence and abuse women face every day. The solution is not for women to change their behaviour- Ashling Murphy did everything “right” to keep herself safe and her life was still taken from her. Misogynistic behaviour and attitudes are what need to change, and the system that perpetuates it needs to change.
State indifference
We need the state to take violence against women seriously. We already know that more than 3,000 domestic violence calls were unanswered by Gardai. This attitude of indifference toward crimes against women by the people who are allegedly there to protect us says a lot about the priorities of the state. We need investment in street lighting, improved and safe public transport that operates at night and further funds to be allocated to refuges and services that are currently relying on public donations in order to continue to function.
We also need the trade union movement to take the lead in campaigns against sexism and harassment in the workplace. In schools, children must receive proper and thorough fact-based sex education that deals with issues like violence against women, attitudes towards women and consent.
The capitalist system perpetuates violence and abuse
In order to fully eradicate sexism and violence against women is by eradicating the capitalist system that perpetuates violence and abuse. We need a united movement of all those who face discrimination, inequality and exploitation. This would be a powerful force capable of really making the fundamental changes we need. A socialist alternative to sexism, inequality and capitalist crisis is the only way we can really transform society and make it a place where women, and everyone else, feel safe without fear of violence.
Militant Left sends our sincerest condolences and solidarity to the family, friends, colleagues and pupils of Ashling Murphy, and all who have been affected by her murder.
