A midlands bishop is raising concerns about how the Omicron variant may impact on domestic violence cases.
“Domestic abuse, domestic violence, silent stonewalling are a much deeper pandemic that becomes all the more exacerbated in a pandemic lockdown."
That's according to the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty, who made the comments at the graduation of new Accord counsellors.
He's also raising concerns that the Omicron variant could impact domestic violence cases.
He says "the latest omicron variant of the pandemic has shifted gear once again into a greater level of restrictions and curtailment on personal freedoms. New public health instructions around mask wearing in schools from third class, and the return of restrictions around nightclubs, hospitality industry and indoor cultural, community, sport and entertainment gatherings have jolted all of us. Yet another reality-check from a pandemic that began as a tiny microbe in Wuhan. From a single viral particle that could not be seen by the naked eye our world, as we know it, has been brought to its knees. We are perhaps experiencing the most challenging of times since World War II. These are testing times indeed."
16 counsellors and 19 facilitators graduated on Friday and will serve in the Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service.
The counselling service has established the 'Covid-19 Couples and Relationship Line,' to provide support for those in need in lockdown.
Bishop Nulty say the aim of Accord is to 'heal the wounded,' and the new graduates will help to assist in that mission.
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