Statistics show that 2019 saw a 17% increase in number of children accessing refuge and community supports
" As we enter into level 5 restrictions and the country enters into another lockdown, I am reminded of the considerable demand we experienced for our service during the initial lockdown and how Aoibhneas has over the seven months adapted to meet the crisis needs of women and children. Our helpline over a 6-month period saw an average 125% increase in callers seeking help and support. While encouraged to see increased callers access our helpline, when restrictions lifted, we saw an influx in crisis presentations with women citing being no longer able to remain in their home with their children safely. We saw the impact isolation and disconnection from community supports had on families in particular the loss of routine that came on foot of school and creche closures.
Children represent the invisible casualties in an abusive home, where their access to support depends
on a
parents access to their own supports, including a willingness and ability for that parent to see their
situation in the first instance as unsafe or even dangerous. We experienced a 17%
increase in the number of children that accessed our service in 2019; while positive that we
were
in a position to support more children it is important that we take stock of the prevalence of
domestic
violence in homes including everyone impacted by it. We must consider in any recovery plan concerning
COVID-19
what investment in specialist services for children will look like and how services like
Aoibhneas
will be enabled to deliver these specialist supports. "
Emma Reidy, CEO
Aoibhneas has seen a sharp rise in calls to its helpline. From March when the lockdown started to the end of August we saw an average increase of 125% to calls to our Helpline.
The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt by many, in Ireland and across the globe. In battling the virus, global restrictions have not only led to significant socio-economic issues, they have also highlighted ongoing inequalities in our communities. Undoubtedly, you will have seen the many news reports that documented the substantial increase in domestic abuse perpetrated against women throughout the lockdown. Home, which should have been a place of safety during COVID-19.
We know for a lot of women leaving their home and coming to refuge is the last resort especially when it comes to leaving your home with your children in tow. We often get asked what our accommodation looks like as it conjures various things to people.
It is important we offer families the best possible standards and this remains our priority in this pandemic.
Aoibhneas has a range of measures in place to provide support to families residing with us and accessing support from us during Covid-19. If you would like to see more about why not take a tour!
The tour
Does someone you know put you down or make you feel bad about yourself? Frighten you by what they say or do? Hit, kick or push you? Force you to have unwanted sexual contact? Control who you can and cannot see? Make you feel unsafe?
Aoibhneas provides a 24 hour support, information and referral service aswell as access to safe accommodation for women and children forced to leave their home due to domestic abuse. Speak to us now
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