DONEGAL Domestic Violence Services was delighted to welcome Catherine Ardagh TD, to its service in Letterkenny.
The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the vital frontline work undertaken by Donegal Domestic Violence Services and Donegal Women’s Centre in supporting women and children experiencing Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) across Donegal.
Fiona Jordan, Interim Assistant Manager of Donegal Domestic Violence Services, warmly welcomed Minister Ardagh and outlined the organisation’s specialist supports, including its 24 hour crisis service, outreach support, emergency accommodation, court accompaniment, legal and housing support, and programmes supporting women and children on their journey from crisis towards recovery, self reliance, safety and independent living.
Donegal Domestic Violence Services is a registered charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse throughout County Donegal. Funded through Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Agency, within the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the organisation provides a vital frontline service across the county. The service’s 24 hour Freephone Helpline, 1800 262 677, provides confidential crisis support, information and a gateway to its wider services.
The visit comes at a time of continued national focus and investment in tackling Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Cuan plays a key role in implementing Ireland’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Zero Tolerance, supporting victims and survivors, strengthening frontline services and coordinating the national response. Continued investment in specialist services, safe accommodation, prevention, training and access to justice is essential to ensuring that women and children can access the support and protection they need.
Minister Ardagh said she was extremely impressed and delighted to see first hand the work being carried out on the ground in Donegal by organisations such as Donegal Domestic Violence Services and the Donegal Women’s Centre.
Minister Ardagh also acknowledged the work being undertaken at Government level by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Department of Justice to strengthen Ireland’s response to domestic violence.
This includes the introduction of the Domestic Violence Rent Supplement, which provides an important financial support for people fleeing domestic violence and can help remove one of the significant barriers faced by women seeking to leave an unsafe home. The Government has also introduced legislative measures, including Jennie’s Law, which provides a Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register and increases transparency around serious domestic violence convictions. Together with continued investment in specialist services, safe accommodation, prevention and access to justice, these measures have the potential to make a real and lasting difference to women and children in Donegal by strengthening both the immediate supports available to those experiencing abuse and the wider protections designed to improve safety and accountability.
Fiona Jordan said: “We were delighted to welcome Minister Catherine Ardagh TD and to demonstrate the vital work undertaken by our dedicated staff every day to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse across Donegal. Our 24 hour helpline is often the first step for a woman who may be frightened, isolated or unsure where to turn. From that first call, we can provide confidential support, safety planning and access to our wider services. We are proud of the specialist service we provide and welcome the continued national focus and investment through Cuan and the Department of Justice.”
Donegal Domestic Violence Services also wishes to sincerely thank Cllr Liam Blaney and Cllr Donal Coyle, Donegal County Councillors, for their continued support for the organisation’s work and for recognising the importance of specialist domestic abuse services in County Donegal. Local support and advocacy are vital in ensuring that the needs of women and children experiencing domestic abuse remain visible and prioritised.
Donegal Domestic Violence Services remains committed to supporting women and children throughout County Donegal and to working alongside Cuan, Government departments, statutory agencies, the Donegal Women’s Centre, community organisations and local representatives to strengthen the response to domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
Women experiencing domestic abuse in Donegal are reminded that they are not alone and that confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 262 677.