Domestic violence increase 'concerning'
A domestic violence charity in Cork has reported an 8% increase in interventions this year.
Mná Feasa, which supports women affected by domestic violence, described the increase as “concerning”.
The Gurranabraher-based charity, which provides essential services like court accompaniment, has seen 165 new women seeking support in 2024 alone.
In response to the escalating demand and the urgent need to make its services more accessible and prominent in the Cork community, Mná Feasa launched a new visual rebrand on Monday to reflect, the charity said, its expanded role and strengthened commitment to supporting women in crisis.
Speaking on the challenges faced by those experiencing domestic violence, Team Leader with Mná Feasa, Barbara O'Driscoll said: “Almost 80% of women who suffer abuse in the home never report it, according to Safe Ireland. Fear of negative legal outcomes, financial insecurity, and concerns for their children’s welfare often keep women from leaving unsafe situations.
“Without the support to navigate it, too many are forced to drop out of the court process, leaving them even more vulnerable. Through our new visual rebrand and expanded outreach, we hope to give more women the confidence to know that help is here, and they’re not alone.”
She added: “But we can’t do this without community support. While some businesses have been invaluable partners, the growing demand for our services calls for even more involvement from the business sector. We urgently need more businesses to step up and join us in this mission to ensure every woman in need can find safety and support.”
Along with a new logo, the charity’s updated website mnafeasa.com offers a user-friendly experience with streamlined navigation and an expanded resource library, making it simpler than ever for women and families to find the support they need.
The rebrand was designed by Global Creative, Johnson Controls’ in-house creative team. Over the past year, 10 team members from Global Creative volunteered their expertise to develop the new brand for Mná Feasa. The new design centres around the fada in ‘Mná’ shaped into an arc. This arc symbolises a protective shield, creating a safe and private space.
Founded in 1991, Mná Feasa, meaning ‘wise women’ in Irish, has supported thousands of women through a comprehensive range of services, including a helpline, one-on-one counselling, support groups, and court accompaniment.
In 2022, the charity saw 1,373 interventions, rising to 1,450 last year, and now, this year, they’ve already reached 1,570 interventions.
Recently, the charity expanded its programming by adding a weekly support group and, in collaboration with pro bono family law solicitors, launched its first free legal advice clinic. Over the past three years, Mná Feasa has dedicated approximately 300 hours to personal development and educational programmes, providing life-changing support for women as they work to rebuild their lives.