Ana Doyle

My running motivation this week

I was particularly motivated on my first week of this running challenge after I watched a clip from an interview with Margaret Loftus and Sarah Benson on Ireland AM last week. In the interview Loftus speaks about her experience of domestic abuse at the hands of her ex husband while both of them were members of the Gardaí (Irish police). 

There are many elements of her experience that highlight the brutality of domestic abuse: the attitude of abusers; Loftus protecting their children at the risk of her own safety; the impact the experience had on her family, the reaction of her colleagues, the length of time between her initial report and charges being brought; and her acknowledgment of victims who do not speak out.

All of these aspects, and many more, are indicative of the systematic and socialised violence faced by victims. However, what particularly stood out to me was that this man was able to traumatise in two major ways. 

Not only in the episodes of physical and emotional abuse, but then through the trauma that followed at the hands of the legal system and society. Loftus is quoted in an RTE Article describing this process as “as traumatising and damaging as the abuse”. 

Loftus acknowledges victims of abuse who do not report abuse out of fear for their lives. However, even when this is not the case, the prospect of victims reporting abuse can be terrifying. The tormenting inaction of authorities, social isolation, workplace discrimination, and the financial troubles that often accompany leaving one’s home and legal proceedings can each be enough to deter someone from seeking help. Furthermore, the possibility of enduring all of this only for the abuser to face little or no meaningful consequence reinforces this fear and hesitation.

In Loftus’s case, following her initial report, her abuse continued for years, while her abuser was promoted within the Gardaí- the very organisation who were supposed to be investigating his criminal behaviour. Four weeks ago, 13 years after the attack discussed in the interview, her abuser received a mere three month suspended sentence for the assault.

I am fundraising for Women’s Aid because they support victims of domestic abuse throughout this entire traumatising process. They not only help those in immediate danger providing transport, refuge, and financial support but they offer legal support during the long, difficult process that follows a victim’s initial call for help.

They also carry out research, provide information on domestic abuse, and campaign for legal, systematic change in Ireland.

Their heroic work, supported by our financial support and allyship, helps work towards an equal Ireland with zero tolerance of domestic abuse and violence against women. 

*please note that this blog post reflects my personal opinion. I am not trying to educate others, or provide new information or insights. This was only my genuine reaction to the clip linked below and one of my motivations for participating in this fundraiser.*

Interview with Ireland AM: https://youtu.be/VqvDygISEow?si=6V0x4QJEpML1oHv- 

Article discussing Loftus and her case: https://www.rte.ie/news/primetime/2026/0120/1554161-margaret-loftus/