President visits refuge centre 

A NORTHSIDE-BASED domestic abuse support service for women and children, welcomed President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins to its refuge centre recently to meet service users, staff and the board.

Aoibhneas, which was established 30 years ago, is now the largest refuge in the Dublin area, providing crisis accommodation to 10 families at any one time in a purpose-built facility in Coolock. 

As well as refuge provision, Aoibhneas now operates a 24-hour helpline and a range of community-based supports, including education and training, an outreach service, an accompaniment service, a drop-in service, a childcare service and a post refuge support service.

At the private function women and children who have received accessed support through Aoibhneas shared their personal journey from crisis to recovery with the President.  

President Higgins expressed his support to the board and staff members of Aoibhneas and his gratitude for the opportunity to meet residents and service users.

Chief executive of Aoibhneas Emma Reidy said they were delighted to welcome President Higgins. 

“Thirty years on we have transformed our service to offer women and children access to a variety of supports to best enable recovery and healing from domestic abuse,” said Ms Reidy.  

“President Michael D. Higgins met women and children survivors of domestic abuse in our centre. 

“We would like to express our thanks to President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins for taking the time to meet women and children’s survivors of domestic abuse and hear of their experiences.”

Cristina Santamaria, chairperson of the board of directors at Aoibhneas, said: “We will continue to do our very best to bring fresh thinking and find long-term solutions that promote women and children to live without the fear or threat of abuse in their homes.”