Domestic abuse survey reveals shocking results

A NORTHSIDE-BASED domestic abuse support service for women and children has reported startling statistics from a one-day census it conducted. 

In just 24 hours, at Aoibhneas in Coolock, 76 women accessed direct support through refuge (9), outreach service (55) and helpline (12).

In the same timeframe, 100 children received a direct or indirect support through refuge (19), outreach service (80) and helpline (1).

Despite receiving three crisis referrals from women seeking refuge Aoibhneas was in a position to accommodate only one family – at 12.30am a woman and child were admitted to refuge. Aoibhneas also welcomed six children into refuge. These children were reunited with their mother who was already resident in the service.

In any one day the organisation, which has to turn away on average 400 families per year, takes on a wide range of interventions. 

On January 24 (the day the census was conducted) this included for women and children: emotional support, practical support, child related support, safety supports, court preparation and accompaniment, therapeutic group support, developmental play, breakfast club, play therapy and art therapy. 

Aoibhneas provided accompaniment to court, a Garda station and a solicitor’s appointment to three families to facilitate their access to legal and safety supports.

On January 24, 18 different nationalities were supported across the service. This included three women engaged in the service who do not satisfy the habitual residency condition and therefore, have no access to payments or housing.

This one-day census captures how the service responds to crisis and recovery needs of women and children. These supports provide women and children with not only a crisis response but also therapeutic interventions.

The figures were released on the day Aoibhneas marked its 30th anniversary with the launch of its new brand as well as the one-day census, which was conducted from 9am on January 24 to 9am on January 25.

Emma Reidy, manager of Aoibhneas, said they were delighted to be marking the 30th anniversary with the launch of its new brand “which brings a new era for Aoibhneas”. 

“As you can see from our one-day census figures, unfortunately, a service like ours is very much needed,” said Ms Reidy.  

“Our outreach service has become an integral part of the organisation for us in educating people about domestic abuse and doing our best to change societal attitudes. 

“Services such as ours require continued support. In relation to refuge, as a result of operating at capacity in the refuge, we have to turn away on average 400 families per year.” 

Ms Reidy added: “We are actively seeking access to step down accommodation to facilitate our holding onto families for longer periods after completing a refuge stay to promote continued recovery and healing within our service.”

Aoibhneas was established 30 years ago in a three-bedroom flat in Ballymun and is now the largest refuge in the Dublin area.