Domestic violence resource meeting held in Donaghmede

Sinn Féin local election candidate Clodagh O’ Moore recently hosted two awareness talks on domestic violence, and encouraged people across to avail of services available to victims of domestic violence.

“As a candidate in the upcoming local elections, I have been actively engaging with the community in the Donaghmede LEA . Bringing my experience as a community nurse, as a Peace Commissioner and a community activist, I have a good awareness of the complexity experienced by women in domestic violence relationships,” she said.

“I wanted to create awareness around the support available of people who find themselves in domestic violence relationships or situations. People need to be aware of the support available to them, their sister, friend or neighbour.”

Figures published by An Garda Síochána show an 8% increase in domestic violence calls made in 2023, with Gardaí receiving 54,000 calls regarding domestic abuse complaints in 2023.

“Based on the figures I hosted two awareness talks on domestic violence; the first public talk had the incredible Ainie Grainger as a speaker. Ainie is an amazing and powerful advocate who gave a powerful talk surrounding domestic violence and the support available with court applications and appearances, while the second domestic violence awareness talk was held with the support of the Belmayne Community Group.”

Rachel from The SAOL Project came to the Belmayne hub and spoke about project DAVINA (Domestic Abuse Violence Is Never Acceptable) and highlights the layers of complexity for women who may be involved in domestic violence-affected relationships where substance use is also a factor.

The Domestic Abuse Coordination Team (DACT) in Coolock Garda station were represented at the meeting and spoke discussed the supports and services that the unit provides. The DACT unit has encouraged people to come forward and report domestic abuse to them, with O’Moore saying that Gardaí are now trained to listen, understand the difficulties and realise it’s not always easy to come forward when you’re in a relationship that is abusive.

The DACT unit will also be able to put victims in touch with services that may help their situation and offer protection from abusers.

“The stigmas around domestic violence need to be broken and the barriers to accessing supports need to be dismantled; that’s why awareness talks like this one are vital.”

Womens Aid: 1800 341 900
Aoibhneas: 1800767767
Sonas: 01 866 2015
Coolock Garda station: 016664200
In a case of an emergency please call the Gardaí on 999 or 112.