Latest news with #Sonas
RTÉ News
25-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Concern pets becoming victims of domestic abuse
Pets are rarely considered as a barrier for those seeking to escape from domestic violence, but behind closed doors, they are often used by abusers to control their partners and their children. While pets have become an integral part of family life for many, the domestic violence charity Sonas is concerned that in some cases they have also become victims of domestic abuse. Sonas Head of Services Siobhán Ferguson said there are situations where children are forced to hit or slap animals, or pets are slapped and beaten in front of them by a parent. "We had an experience of a situation where the children were forced by the perpetrator to harm the animal and that was punishment for the children, to hit or slap the pet," she said. Studies have been conducted in the US and UK that demonstrate an association of animal abuse in households where there is reported domestic violence. In 2008, the Irish Vetinary Journal noted that while similar patterns of multiple forms of abuse could be found in Ireland, no Irish study had examined this aspect of intimate partner violence. Sonas has found that in domestic violence situations women are more reluctant to leave the home with children, if there are pets. The charity decided to take matters into its own hands and approached the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) to see if it could help. The suggestion was a partnership that would see the DSPCA care for animals in situations where families flee domestic violence and enter refuge. DSPCA CEO Pat Watt agreed. He said: "We realised that, look, there's something we can do here. Alleviate that worry and provide shelter here for their pets until they're in a safe place, and then we can return them to the family, which is just a lovely role for us to play." Despite growing pressure on capacity in all animal shelters including at the DSPCA, it was viewed as manageable. "Our capacity fluctuates all the time, but we don't just have the capacity here, we have a pet hotel where we could accommodate pets. Also, we have a network of foster families who would take animals in on our behalf. So, we'll take care of them," he added. Sonas and the DSPCA have worked out all inevitabilities in getting pets to safety. Unmarked DSPCA vans are available to attend family homes and seize pets if necessary; families can also bring pets to refuge shelters before passing the animals over Sonas staff who will bring them to the DSPCA; or pets can be brought directly to DSPCA headquarters by families with the support of Sonas. The first pets arrived at the shelter on Friday after a family, including a number of children in a high risk situation, had to leave home in a hurry. The call came through to Ms Ferguson. She said: "...Unless there was somewhere for the dogs, a safe space, they weren't prepared to leave. So, that's a real concern for us because we've seen it so many times and we know that women and children are left in dangerous situations because they won't leave their dogs at home or their cats or whatever animals that they might have". The partnership has been a learning curve for everybody involved and while similar initiatives have been established in the UK, it is the first of its kind in Ireland. Sonas CEO David Hall believes it should be rolled out nationally. He said: "This is something that's being done for the east coast and absolutely must be rolled out on a national basis. This is a direct barrier for people living in an abusive relationship and we must remove all the barriers. "This is one such barrier where there is a safe place for animals to be left and cared for, whereby families can visit while here, so this has to done nationwide." Asked about the expectation of the new arrivals to the shelter on Friday evening, Mr Watt welcomed the fact there were two small dogs arriving together and assured that they would be well cared for. "Staff are very excited about it because it's a lovely extension of what we do. They would also admire the work of Sonas and the work they do. To play a role in that, is fantastic for them," he said.
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Examiner
Wish List: Seven super home buys that are hot on the scent of summer
The sanctuary Irish brand Sonas Bathrooms tells us the "mindful wet room" is on the rise. The bathroom is no longer just a functional space, says Sonas, but "evolving into a sanctuary of self-care and tranquillity". This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner. Annual €120€60 Best value Monthly €10€4 / month Unlimited access. Subscriber content. Daily ePaper. Additional benefits.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stylish earrings to gold shoes on show at South Africa's biggest political event
Politicians, musicians, and celebrities arrived in their most glamorous looks for one of South Africa's biggest political events - the State of the Nation Address (Sona), making it almost as much about fashion as politics. Sona is a joint sitting of the two houses of parliament in Cape Town to mark the start of the government's work for the year, where President Cyril Ramaphosa paints a picture of where the country stands and outlines the road ahead. In his speech, President Ramaphosa talked about the nation's resilience, earning rapturous applause when he declared, "South Africa will not be bullied." His stance comes after his US counterpart Donald Trump threatened to cut off funding over South Africa's land policy. While governance takes centre stage, Sona has evolved into a fashion spectacle over the years, with MPs using their outfits to support local designers and showcase South African talent. The outfits are always a hot topic on social media, and this year is no exception. Praise singer Inako Mateza, this year's imbongi (traditional praise poet), played a key role in one of the most significant Sona traditions. Through song and dance, she recounted President Cyril Ramaphosa's life story and history, blending tradition with a personal touch. She ended her performance by addressing the president with his well-known nickname, "Cupcake." South Africa Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina wore a traditional outfit and spectacular ear-rings. Water was a key part of Ramaphosa's speech, as he said there would be several investments in water projects to address the shortages affecting the whole country. Draped in gold, this snazzy dresser is Gezani Kobane, a member of former President Jacob Zuma's party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). As MK cements its presence in South African politics as the main opposition party, figures like Kobane are drawing attention both for their political stance and their distinctive style. But Zuma wasn't in attendance as he was dealing with his ongoing trial on allegations of corruption over an arms deal. He denies any wrongdoing. Outside parliament, there is a red carpet for guests and ministers to strike a pose. Sports Minister Gayton Mckenzie looked dapper in an all-black ensemble with matching sunglasses. South African politician and Pondo traditional leader Mwelo Nonkonyana, who now serves on the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa in the Eastern Cape showed off his community's style, along with a staff. Julius Malema's party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) arrived in their trademark red overalls. The party has disrupted previous Sonas, but this year they were relatively calm. Malema expressed his disappointment in President Ramaphosa speech and told local broadcaster eNCA, it was just "waffle". Members of Parliament were dressed to the nines as they listened to the speech. Now the hard work begins. Cyril Ramaphosa - South African union leader, mine boss, president Johannesburg revival: Bringing hope to one of world's most dangerous cities South Africa and Rwanda go head-to-head over DR Congo war Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
President Cyril Ramaphosa Sona: Best looks from South Africa's biggest political event
Politicians, musicians, and celebrities arrived in their most glamorous looks for one of South Africa's biggest political events - the State of the Nation Address (Sona), making it almost as much about fashion as is a joint sitting of the two houses of parliament in Cape Town to mark the start of the government's work for the year, where President Cyril Ramaphosa paints a picture of where the country stands and outlines the road his speech, President Ramaphosa talked about the nation's resilience, earning rapturous applause when he declared, "South Africa will not be bullied."His stance comes after his US counterpart Donald Trump threatened to cut off funding over South Africa's land policy. While governance takes centre stage, Sona has evolved into a fashion spectacle over the years, with MPs using their outfits to support local designers and showcase South African talent. The outfits are always a hot topic on social media, and this year is no exception. Praise singer Inako Mateza, this year's imbongi (traditional praise poet), played a key role in one of the most significant Sona song and dance, she recounted President Cyril Ramaphosa's life story and history, blending tradition with a personal touch. She ended her performance by addressing the president with his well-known nickname, "Cupcake." South Africa Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina wore a traditional outfit and spectacular was a key part of Ramaphosa's speech, as he said there would be several investments in water projects to address the shortages affecting the whole country. Draped in gold, this snazzy dresser is Gezani Kobane, a member of former President Jacob Zuma's party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).As MK cements its presence in South African politics as the main opposition party, figures like Kobane are drawing attention both for their political stance and their distinctive Zuma wasn't in attendance as he was dealing with his ongoing trial on allegations of corruption over an arms deal. He denies any wrongdoing. Outside parliament, there is a red carpet for guests and ministers to strike a pose. Sports Minister Gayton Mckenzie looked dapper in an all-black ensemble with matching sunglasses. South African politician and Pondo traditional leader Mwelo Nonkonyana, who now serves on the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa in the Eastern Cape showed off his community's style, along with a staff. Julius Malema's party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) arrived in their trademark red overalls. The party has disrupted previous Sonas, but this year they were relatively calm. Malema expressed his disappointment in President Ramaphosa speech and told local broadcaster eNCA, it was just "waffle". Members of Parliament were dressed to the nines as they listened to the speech. Now the hard work begins. You may also be interested in: Cyril Ramaphosa - South African union leader, mine boss, presidentJohannesburg revival: Bringing hope to one of world's most dangerous citiesSouth Africa and Rwanda go head-to-head over DR Congo war Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
