How Violent Protests Fail to Protect Women and Children
On October 20, a serious incident occurred at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, where a 10-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted. A 26-year-old man faces charges related to this case, prompting an ongoing judicial process.
Responses to the Incident
In the aftermath, violent protests erupted, attracting crowds of over 2,000 participants. This figure is significantly higher than the numbers seen during the Dublin riots earlier in 2023. Protesters engaged in confrontational acts, including setting fire to a Garda van and chanting threats against the hotel.
The protests have morphed into a contentious debate about migration in Ireland. Political figures such as TDs Carol Nolan and Ken O’Flynn voiced concerns regarding “violent” asylum seekers and the need for strict vetting of immigrants. These sentiments have increased the hostility toward migrants, linking them to sexual crimes and violence.
Impact on Women and Children
The rhetoric surrounding the protests has framed the violence as a means of protecting Irish women and children. However, this perspective often overlooks incidents of violence inflicted by Irish nationals. For instance, a Moroccan man was attacked in South Dublin on October 2, while slurs directed at him included allegations of being a rapist.
Another troubling example occurred in Tallaght when an Indian national was attacked, accompanied by false claims of paedophilia. Conversely, a lack of protests followed the tragic murders of non-white victims in Ireland, highlighting a disparity in public response based on the race of the victim and perpetrator.
Discrepancies in Public Outcry
- The murder of Mongolian national Urantsetseg Tserendorj in 2021 received minimal public outcry.
- Similarly, the murder of Filipina woman Jastine Valdez in 2018 went largely unnoticed in protests against gender-based violence.
- Recent violence against Irish women, such as the stabbing of Niamh Kelly by a young Irish man, also failed to mobilize public protests.
This inconsistency suggests that the narrative surrounding women’s safety is selectively applied, often focusing on fears linked to migrants rather than addressing broader issues of gender violence.
The Role of Media and Political Rhetoric
Media portrayals and political rhetoric contribute to the framing of migrants as threats to women and children. This strategic narrative establishes migrant men as the primary perpetrators, minimizing the violence perpetrated by white men. Academic studies have shown that such framing is part of a larger trend across Europe and the United States, wherein immigrant men are scapegoated.
Intersection of Racism and Misogyny
The implications of these narratives are profound. They perpetuate a cycle where the violence inflicted by white men is downplayed, while migrant men are depicted as inherently dangerous. This environment allows for racial violence to be justified under the guise of protecting women and children.
- Studies indicate that most child sexual abuse is perpetrated by white men, contradicting the media’s focus on foreign perpetrators.
- In restorative justice discussions, racial factors are often ignored in Ireland, leading to a lack of targeted strategies.
Conclusion
The protests following the alleged assault at Citywest highlight a troubling trend in the discourse around safety for women and children. By framing migrant men as primary threats, society overlooks the violence that persists within its own demographic. This approach ultimately diminishes the severity of violence against women and children from all backgrounds.
As social tensions rise, it becomes crucial to address these overlapping issues of race, gender, and safety in a constructive manner that fosters understanding rather than division.
