Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion details abusive relationship with ex partner
Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion has urged anyone that knows someone who might be in a coercive relationship to not be judgemental but 'listen to them.'
The 44-year-old politician detailed how she has come to terms with her own abusive relationship at the hands of her partner of six years, Sean Tyrell.
Mr Tyrell was sentenced to four-months in jail for offences under Coco's Law against Ms Funchion. Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion has urged anyone that knows someone who might be in a coercive relationship to not be judgemental but 'listen to them.' Pic: Ireland AM/ Instagram
Speaking on Ireland AM on Monday, the MEP told presenters Tommy Bowe and Muireann O'Connell how her relationship with Tyrell was 'dysfunctional at times.'
'Hindsight is hindsight for a reason,' she said, 'There was elements of control probably from very early on.'
Ms Funchion added that the control can be 'hard to identify' as it is a gradual process which results in you doubting and questioning yourself.
She added that it results in a 'huge amount of confidence' lost, which is what the abusive partner wants. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ireland AM (@irelandamvmtv)
The MEP for Ireland South detailed how her ex-partner would question if she wasn't home by a certain time, a feat difficult for a politician who deals with the public.
'You're always trying to be ten steps ahead to think what kind of potential issue is happening here,' she detailed.
'I felt that I was always trying to find a solution as I really loved Sean, I really wanted this relationship to work. For me, this was it. I was determined to see how we could figure this out.'
Ms Funchion detailed how her partner had been threatening to go to journalists with 'various stories' about her claiming that she was financially and physically abusive to him. Speaking on Ireland AM on Monday, the MEP told presenters Tommy Bowe and Muireann O'Connell how her relationship with Tyrell was 'dysfunctional at times.' Pic: Ireland AM/ Instagram
'I went to the Gardaí; I reached out to the Amber Women's Refuge as well,' the politician shared.
She went on to give her praise to Gardaí and the protective services unit in Kilkenny who she branded as 'amazing' during the case.
Speaking about writing her victim impact statement, she admitted it took her a 'very long time' to write it, adding that she was 'physically sick' in the lead up to having to read it out in court.
'It is very, very difficult for people,' she said, 'I've always had admiration for people who come forward but even more-so after going through it.'
The Kilkenny woman added that she did feel 'physically lighter' following the case, but detailed there are still difficulties in her life following on from the relationship, such as letting people into her life.
'That is something that has changed for me,' she stated, 'But I am really glad that I did go all the way with it.'
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