Zero Tolerance – ’take responsibility for challenging all violence and abuse’

The Éist – Saying ‘No’ To Silence ‘Zero Tolerance’ initiative launched at the Greville Arms Hotel on Friday evening aims to encourage everyone to take responsibility for challenging all forms of violence and abuse.

Hazel Behan, one of the founders of Éist, opened the event, and said: “We launched here in Mullingar for a very real reason: the community needs us for our expertise and a safe place to begin their healing.

“By existing here in the midlands, we seek to be a local and accessible community rooted anchor, somewhere where you can go and talk, have a cup of tea, sit down and feel heard and be guided to the right support.”

The group took inspiration from a similar campaign in Dublin for their ‘Zero Tolerance’ campaign for the midlands.

Hazel gave statistics that demonstrate how the Mullingar SATU (sexual assault treatment unit) is one of the busiest in the country outside of the capital, and made a plea to the local community to take on board the points from the Zero Tolerance campaign.

She said: “Nationwide, the number of attendances to sexual assault treatment units has increased significantly, and recent statistics data show worrying trends, with physical restraints and weapons being used in a notable proportion of cases.

“Despite the prevalence, reporting remains difficult, and research suggests that persistent rape myths, stigma, and victim blaming may prevent many people from speaking up.

“These aren’t just numbers and figures; behind each statistic is a person, a life changed, a community impacted.”

Hazel highlighted the need to acknowledge the Zero Tolerance pledge: “The Zero Tolerance campaign is vital, so tonight we ask every business leader, every community organiser and every person sitting here today to take the Zero Tolerance pledge, to commit to awareness, training and responding and to publicly stand with survivors.

“Embed the values of respect, consent, and inclusion in your workplace, in your everyday life. By doing so, you not only build a safer place, you strengthen our midlands community.”

Blue Balls Ireland, who focus on men’s mental health, are in a similar position to Éist as they establish in the region. Founder, Damien Rooney, is a member of the Éist Zero Tolerance campaign committee, and he said: “As fathers and grandfathers, we are the role models for our sons, we are the protectors, and we are the educators. The education we pass down must carry a clear Zero Tolerance message, and we must pass down respect, equality, and compassion.

“If there is any moral story to tell, just don’t question your ability or inability to do something, just question the field you’re standing on, and together as a committee, we are all standing on the same field. We are standing as one team.

“Together we are going to show that Zero Tolerance is not just a slogan, it’s a way to educate, a way to show solidarity and a way to live.”

Although 2025 has been a busy year for Éist, they continue to work on their goal of becoming a key midlands community organisation, and through initiatives like the Zero Tolerance campaign, they can challenge the silent difficulties that many gender based violence victims face.

At the launch event, Hazel Behan mentioned the Spirit of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District award win at the Mullingar Chamber Awards 2025. Also in attendance on the night were TD for Longford Westmeath Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin, D Bairbre Kelly of Éist, James Donnelly of Sinn Féin, Cllrs Julie McCourt and David Jones of Sinn Féin and community activist Christine O’Mahony, committee member.