Record numbers accessing domestic violence services in Meath

Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services supported 539 women and 131 children in Meath last year who experienced domestic violence and abuse, reflecting an 11 per cent increase in refuge accommodation provision.

The organisation provided emergency refuge accommodation to 57 women and 74 children.

Today Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services, alongside Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, launched its 2022 Annual Report highlighting the significant demand for services across the county.

While supports have increased, further action is need to ensure no woman or child is left behind or isolated according to Sinead Smith, CEO, Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services:

“Last year marked a record level of women and children accessing our services and we continue to see more and more survivors of domestic violence coming forward looking for support. An increase in core funding from Tusla Family and Child Agency has enabled us to reach more families but the needs are higher than what we can provide.

"We were still unable to accommodate 300 women and 184 children who needed emergency accommodation last year due to a lack of space and we welcome the commitment to build a new badly needed 12-unit refuge in Navan by 2025. Meath is now the second fastest growing county in Ireland with a population increase of 12.9 per cent over the past six years - we need to continue to scale up to make sure we can meet the needs of every woman and child at risk of violence.”

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, speaking at the launch said; “Last year we published our Zero Tolerance plan, the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender based violence. As Minister for Justice, I am absolutely focussed on the implementation of the plan to improve services for victims and tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence in Meath and across the country. This strategy gives renewed focus and direction on how the State will tackle what is a huge societal issue over the next five years. We will continue to prioritise increased domestic violence services and more refuge spaces in Meath, and across the country.”

Launching a new Freefone Helpline service, Sinead Smith, CEO said: “We strive to ensure our services are fully accessible to every woman who needs them and are delighted today to launch our new Freefone Helpline 1800 464646 which is 100% free of charge and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Bank of Ireland Begin Together Fund have generously sponsored the new helpline number and we know it will make a difference to families struggling to cope with the cost of living.”

Alan O’Rourke, Manager Meath North, Bank of Ireland, said: “Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Fund helps to make our communities stronger by providing grants to future focused projects. Working with The Community Foundation for Ireland, we support not-for-profit organisations to improve the financial, physical or mental wellbeing of the communities they serve across the island of Ireland. We are delighted to be able to support our community in County Meath by providing funding for the establishment of a new Freefone Helpline for Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services.”

DigitalWell's CEO, Ross Murray, expressed his delight at Meath Women's Refuge selecting their telephony and 1800 number services and said: “The organisation's decision to implement DigitalWell 360 showcases their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to support their invaluable work. This partnership reflects the trust and confidence Meath Women's Refuge has placed in DigitalWell to enhance their operations and provide essential services to those in need."

Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services also highlighted the significant impact of donations and fundraising last year. 164 women were able to participate in counselling programmes in 2022 which were funded through donations and grants. “The reality is that donations are still critical every year to run our refuge and services building in Navan. The generosity we receive across Meath is vital and we would like to sincerely thank each and every person that supports us.” added Sinead Smith, CEO, Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services.

Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services supported 131 children with trauma recovery, last year, an increase of 42 per cent.

482 women across Meath were supported with advice, counselling and support programmes, an increase of six per cent.

The service increased its emergency helpline support by six per cent on the previous year.

The new number is 1800 464646 and is 100 per cent free of charge to call for any woman or family member concerned about domestic violence or abuse in the Meath area.

Helpline support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services existing number (046-9022393) is still in operation and should be used for fundraising and administrative calls.