Help available for victims
A helpline for abused women and children has seen more activity since the Covid-19 stay at home advice was introduced, the Cork Independent has learned.
Cuanlee Refuge has had to adapt its services to meet with the new restrictions and is offering more support over the phone which has replaced the face-to-face support it was providing before the restrictions came in.
Siobháin Leahy, Social Care Leader with Cuanlee, told the newspaper: “We are still operating and remain committed to supporting women and children that are experiencing domestic violence. As an extraordinary measure aimed at saving lives, people are being told to stay at home. For people living with domestic violence, home is the most unpredictable, terrifying, intimidating and dangerous place to be.”
Siobháin said that her and her team is committed to supporting women and children living with domestic violence or abuse.
She added: “We still have families in the refuge and are continuing to offer emotional support, information regarding domestic violence, safety planning and referrals to other organisations like court services, community welfare officers, housing department, gardaí and Tusla. We continue to advocate for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
“We have seen an increase in our helpline activity. Previously a number of women would have called into the service for support or met our outreach worker in the community when it was safe to do so. This has now been replaced with phone, text and email support,” said Siobháin.
Cuanlee is not taking any admissions at the moment as the refuge structure comprises of communal bathrooms and living areas. However it is linking women and families in with other accommodation options and supporting them during this time.
The refuge is also asking the public for their continued support in reaching out and offering support to families or friends who may be living with domestic abuse at this time.
“By providing a strong community response to domestic abuse, women will still be provided with an opportunity to have their voice heard. This can be done by remaining vigilant and staying in regular contact with family and friends living in unsafe situations. Regardless of our current situations at home, we are reminded that we are all in this pandemic together,” concluded Siobháin.
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Meanwhile An Garda Síochána is also available to help and support.
Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services Bureau said: "I am conscious and aware that victims of domestic abuse can feel afraid and concerned at this time and I wish to assure those experiencing such abuse that An Garda Síochána are available and willing to assist you in this difficult time. The Covid-19 outbreak has not diminished our service and we are committed to your protection.
“If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.”
It comes after the Department of Justice released a radio and tv ad campaign which seeks to reassure victims that services are still here, and that victims are being prioritised during the Covid-19 emergency.
In supporting the campaign, Mary Crilly of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork said: “We are still here and we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe and calling out perpetrators. Keep in contact with family friends and neighbours and be in no doubt that sexual and domestic violence will continue if not escalate during the lockdown.”
Cuanlee’s 24 hour helpline number is 021-4277698 while it is also offering a text support service from 10am-4pm Monday-Friday on 087-3859743 and email support is offered at info@cuanleerefuge.org.
The Sexual Violence Centre can be contacted by freephone at 1800-496496 or text 087-1533393.