THE vital work being carried out by Donegal Women’s Centre, Donegal Domestic Violence Services and Lifeline Inishowen, in supporting women and children affected by domestic, sexual and gender based violence has received strong national recognition following a visit by Christine Lodge, Interim Chief Executive of Safe Ireland.
The visit highlighted the essential role of specialist frontline services in a large, predominantly rural county where geographical isolation, lack of transport, housing shortages and limited access to services can create additional barriers for women seeking safety.
“I visited Letterkenny to shine a light on Domestic Violence services in Donegal: Donegal Domestic Violence Service, Donegal Women’s Centre and Lifeline Inishowen,”Ms Lodge said: “These services have been providing specialist support to victim survivors of domestic violence across Donegal for decades.
“Donegal Domestic Violence Service, Donegal Women’s Centre and Lifeline Inishowen provide safety, solutions and support to women at times of greatest need and we in Safe Ireland are proud to celebrate their achievements and their ongoing commitment to the wider Safe Ireland network as an essential part of Ireland’s response to domestic, sexual and gender based violence.”
Donegal Women’s Centre has been supporting women since 1989, providing trauma informed specialist services, including Domestic Abuse Trauma Psychotherapy and Counselling.
The centre supports women experiencing or recovering from domestic abuse, sexual violence, coercive control and intimate partner violence, helping women move from trauma towards recovery, confidence and independence.
Mary Herlihy, Manager of Donegal Women’s Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Christine Lodge to Donegal.
“We are grateful for Safe Ireland’s recognition of the essential work being delivered here in Donegal. Our service provides a safe and confidential space where women can begin to rebuild their lives following domestic abuse and coercive control.
“The reality for women in Donegal is that rural isolation can make an already dangerous situation even more difficult. Distance, transport, housing and financial barriers can prevent women from accessing safety and support.
“We must ensure that where a woman lives does not determine whether she can get help. The message from Safe Ireland is hugely important for our staff and for the women we support.”
Donegal Domestic Violence Services has supported women and children since 1991, providing a 24 hour helpline, emergency accommodation, outreach, safety planning, court accompaniment, advocacy and practical supports.
Fiona Jordan, Interim Assistant Manager of Donegal Domestic Violence Services, said: “Women contacting Donegal Domestic Violence Services are often reaching out at some of the most frightening and dangerous points in their lives.
“Our role is to make sure that when they take that first step, they are heard, believed and supported.
“In a rural county, isolation can be a powerful tool of coercive control. A woman may have no transport, no access to money, no safe accommodation and may be living many miles from specialist services. These are real barriers to leaving and to recovery.
“We are extremely grateful to Christine Lodge and Safe Ireland for recognising the dedication and expertise of specialist services across Donegal.
“This national recognition strengthens our call for continued investment in frontline services, safe accommodation and sustainable pathways to safety for women and children.”
Bridgeen Coyle, General Manager of Lifeline Inishowen, said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Christine Lodge, Interim CEO of Safe Ireland, to engage in a constructive and timely discussion regarding the critical landscape of domestic violence services in Donegal and the North West.
“Our meeting focused on the pressing need for sustainable, long-term support systems to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families across the Inishowen Peninsula and broader Donegal receive the vital care, refuge, and advocacy they require.”
Donegal Women’s Centre, Donegal Domestic Violence Services and Lifeline Inishowen emphasise that specialist services must be at the heart of the response to DSGBV.
All three organisations say they are committed and are working collaboratively with Cuan, Safe Ireland and the Government, to strengthen services across the county. The organisations welcome the increased national investment in DSGBV services but stress that national funding must translate into accessible, sustainable and properly resourced services in rural communities.