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Meet the Graingers – a dynamic mother-daughter duo bringing awareness about and offering solutions for Domestic Violence (DV) and Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV) in Ireland. |
Priscilla Grainger initially thought the abuse she endured was normal – often a typical mindset for those who endure DV. It started on Priscilla’s honeymoon and continued for 15 years, with escalating violent incidents that included having glass objects thrown at her while pregnant and suffering a broken jaw. Read more about her ordeal here.
Priscilla was able to escape the violence eventually, through the court system and divorce, and create a safe, violence-free environment for herself and her daughter. She then turned all of the negative emotions of that experience into something positive by initially founding the Do or Die Foundation and later co-founding, together with her teenage daughter, the charity Stop Domestic Violence in Ireland. The organization provides a variety of services for those facing violence at home – not only support but also solutions.
Priscilla and her daughter Ainie were determined to help others who experience DV, including the children, some of whom were not affected physically but experienced Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV), which comes with major negative effects that can last well into adulthood.
The fact that Ainie herself is a child of domestic violence gives her unique insight into and understanding of the gripping connection between DV and CDV – particularly that growing up with Childhood Domestic Violence is the single best predictor of becoming a victim or perpetrator of DV later in life. She also experienced multiple other major childhood adversities alongside CDV – including mental and physical child abuse. But with the support of her mom, grandmother and other caring adults, she is gradually making peace with what she experienced and overcoming its negative grip on her life.
Ainie is also finding empowerment in speaking out and helping others who like her experienced CDV or DV. Watch this passionate video to hear her story of growing up with CDV and her efforts to combat CDV and DV in Ireland. Beyond her organization with her mom, she also uses social media to share the message and offer support and empowerment to other CDVs like her who’re struggling.
Ainie and Priscilla are determined to make DV a recognized crime in Ireland. Ainie recently spoke about the importance of this legal classification on the stage at Cambridge Union. She also worked in the field and various political platforms, assisting the Minister for Justice – helping with campaign work and meetings. Wherever they are, this dynamic mother-daughter team is tirelessly working to increase awareness of violence in the home and help those impacted. In the months ahead, CDVA and Stop Domestic Violence in Ireland plan to partner to elevate awareness of CDV in Ireland and build momentum around this critical dialogue internationally.
For more, you can join the Stop Domestic Violence In Ireland Support Group on Facebook or follow the discussion on their Instagram page.