Women’s Refuge ‘busier than ever’ after 40 years
BRAY Women’s Refuge looks after an average of 140 women each year, along with hundreds of children.
In fact, the refuge, which was set up four decades ago, is said to be busier than ever.
The important facility celebrated its 40th anniversary last week, although its founders had certainly hoped that by 2019 there would be no need for a women’s refuge.
Minister Josepha Madigan paid a visit to the refuge last week to mark the milestone and to meet staff, founders, members of the board and representatives from supporting agencies and network partners.
‘The founders thought at the time of setting up the refuge that they were meeting an immediate need. They hoped issues around domestic violence would have become resolved with time, and that hasn’t occurred,’ said Anne-Marie McMurrow. ‘We are humbled every day by the strength and courage of the women who leave domestic violence,’ she said.
The refuge has capacity for seven women and up to 20 of their children at any one time.
‘In the main, we’re full,’ said Anne-Marie. ‘And as one room becomes available, it’s filled.’
If they can’t provide accommodation for a woman, the staff work with other refuges and services to ensure she is accommodated. ‘All referrals are fully supported,’ said Anne-Marie.’
She said that recent renovations works included the addition of another family unit, as well as additional facilities to make staying there more comfortable and dignified. Although the refuge is a ‘short term’ response to a crisis, a stay could still be for six or eight weeks. The residents may have come from a dangerous situation where they received no respect or attention. ‘It’s about empowering the women to just begin to recover, it’s a first step.’ The refuge also helps women to access services in the community such as counselling, if they require that help or ask for it.
‘It’s a holistic service where we would look at all needs, from safety to finances, to health, mental health and housing needs. Because domestic violence isn’t one issue, it’s a really multi-facted and complicated matter.’
Anne-Marie said that the public can help by supporting women.
‘If you are concerned about a woman, don’t ignore it. Go with your gut feeling, Maybe seek some information and support, or talk to the woman. Sometimes they are afraid to ask for help because they feel nobody will believe them.’
Anne-Marie said that she wishes to acknowledge the work of staff, volunteers, the board of directors, and funders who are TUSLA, the Department of Justice, and the local community.
‘The State funding keeps us going. The donations allow us to provide extra things like outings, special bits and pieces, and day to day provisions,’ she said.
‘When someone leaves her own home where she may have been reliant on her partner’s income, she might walk away with nothing other than the clothes she is standing in.’
Bray Women’s Refuge can be contacted on 01 2866163.