WOMEN’S AID NOW EXPECT SURGE IN CALLS FOR HELP
LOCKDOWN A NIGHTMARE SITUATION FOR WOMEN FACING DOMESTIC ABUSE
WHEN Taoiseach Leo Varadkar got up to deliver the ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ message at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, there were some who feared home was not the safest place to be.
Women’s Aid Dundalk have this week revealed how for many women and children it was a ‘ nightmare situation’ where they faced ‘ being at home all day every day with an abuser.’
‘In reality, the very things that afforded them some freedoms, such as the school run, or indeed going to the shops, were all but gone, and they find their movements more controlled than ever,’ said Ann Larkin, Services Manager at Dundalk Women’s Aid.
‘ This lack of freedom also meant many women have had fewer safe opportunities to reach out for help, to contact services like us.’
She noted that at the very start of the ‘ lockdown’ or just after restrictions were imposed, they experienced an increase in calls to their helpline.
‘But after that, it went, what has been described by services across the country as ‘eerily quiet’ which is something we are really concerned about.’
She praised the quick response of both An Garda Siochana, and the Department of Justice, for the nationwide campaigns, which included high profile radio and television adverts, to encourage anyone experiencing abuse in their home to seek help.
As part of the response, Gardai launched ‘Operation Faoisimh’, a community engagement response to COVID-19, ‘designed to ensure victims of domestic abuse are supported and protected in this extraordinary time’.
‘ This along with the department’s campaign were certainly welcomed. From the very beginning I think it was recognised that the ‘stay home, stay safe’ message was difficult for victims of domestic violence, or anyone who is at risk of abuse,’ said Ann.
‘Families all being couped up together can be difficult in the very best of circumstances, but when abuse is present, it can be very dangerous.’ She added that the additional risk of alcohol escalating abuse was deeply concerning.
‘We have been working to assure women that we are still here for them, whenever they feel it is safe to reach out. Our helpline - 042 93 33244 - is still running 24 hours a day, and we really urge anyone who is at risk to make contact, or indeed family members who are concerned a bout a loved one to reach out to us.’
‘We are expecting a surge in calls, and appeals for help once the restrictions are lifted. But, until then, it is important that women who are in fear know that they can contact us if they can find a time and place to do so.’
She explained that Dundalk Women’s Aid have reconfigured their refuge service following the Covid-19 restrictions.
‘It became clear early on that we couldn’t operate as normal, as the refuges have communal bathrooms, kitchens and living areas, so it would have been impossible to operate social distancing.’
She paid tribute to Louth County Council for their assistance in finding alternative accommodation for women and children who were staying at the refuge.
‘I really want to thank all of those who have supported us, we received a lot of unsolicited support which we are really grateful for.’
She added: ‘I think what all of this has shown is that refuges are not the solution for women and children who are in crisis. It is like putting a plaster on a really big wound.’
Locally, Women’s Aid have already had to turn away over 80 women from their refuge in the first few months of 2020, as there simply wasn’t enough capacity.
The services manager called for a ‘national, cohesive strategy,’ aimed at providing a holistic approach to the complexities which arise out of domestic violence.
FAMILIES ALL BEING COUPED UP TOGETHER CAN BE DIFFICULT IN THE VERY BEST OF CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT WHEN ABUSE IS PRESENT, IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS