Local representatives say woman’s death should start conversation about violence against women

Yveta Donovalova was pronounced dead yesterday evening after being assaulted in her own home.

Originally from Czechia, the 43-three-year-old had been living in Grange Heights for over 16 years, according to her neighbours.

Ms Donovalova had three teenage children and worked as a cleaner in the local area.

Grange Heights is a quiet, residential area with beautiful foliage and home security systems on almost every house. However, that was not enough to stop Ms Donovalova from losing her life yesterday evening.

A neighbour, Grace Drohan, spoke to the Waterford News & Star: “Nothing like this has ever happened in Grange Heights, everyone was so used to seeing this woman, a hard-working woman, a mother of three and now she’s gone.” 

Ms Drohan said that her parents have lived in Grange Heights for 52 years and there had never been a reason for the gardaí to come to the estate until now.

She said: “You see these things on the news but you never think it will happen on your doorstep.“ 

She said everyone on the street is “heartbroken”, and added: "This will impact everyone in the estate for a long time.” 

Councillor Mary Roche told Waterford News & Star: “It’s just awful” 

She said that this should not be treated as an isolated incident but instead spark a larger conversation: “Every woman I know has had something happen to her, but no man has ever done anything. Women aren’t the problem.” 

She continued: “We tell our girls to be careful and to trust their instincts, but do we tell our boys not to do things like this?” 

Cllr Roche hopes that justice will be served regarding the person who committed the crime. 

She said: “Now she’s dead, and she’s a statistic; she’ll be added to a register, and that’s it. Nobody pays the price for it except the woman.” 

Meanwhile, Councillor Jim D’Arcy said: "It's absolutely shocking. Grange Heights is an idyllic place to live; the people are very much a community, and to have such a brutal attack, the people are just numb. Your home is meant to be where you feel safe.” 

He also linked this assault with the wider issue of violence against women in Ireland and said: "Unfortunately, violence against women by men is becoming more prevalent.”

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation in the circumstances surrounding the assault and an incident room has been established at Waterford Garda station. A Family Liaison Officer has also been assigned to support the family of the deceased.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Anyone who was in the Grange Heights area on Monday, April 27, between 6pm and 6.30pm who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide this footage to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.