Read on Twitter
Thread: Women's Aid is deeply concerned about the impact of the #Covid19Ireland crisis on the safety of women and children affected by domestic abuse and is calling on the Government to make they are not abandoned and ignored during this period. #CoronavirusIreland
Home is not always the safest place during the Covid-19 Crisis and there are worrying reports from China and Italy that indicate an increase in domestic violence incidents during the #Covid19Ireland crisis.
We must remember that workplaces & schools often offer sanctuary for victims of domestic violence. Job losses, remote working, self-isolation & other measures are already impacting on victims. The reality that the abuser may also be at home more is very scary. #Covid19Ireland
Many women and children will spend the next few weeks in suffocating circumstances with their abusers because of the measures to combat #Covid19Ireland. There are women trapped inside with their abuser who are using this opportunity to further his control.
Our 24hr National Helpline is hearing from women already at a heightened state of alert, trauma and anxiety because of the emergency. There is a ‘perfect storm’ of circumstances which could see an increase in the number and the severity of incidents of domestic abuse. #Covid19
The current crisis will also bring increased financial hardship for families in these circumstances and is also reducing options for victims to be able to leave dangerous situations.
Due to #Covid19 restrictions Women’s Aid has taken action to protect the health & safety of our staff, volunteers and women accessing our domestic violence services. Despite the uncertainty, we want to reassure women that services remain available for those who need them.
Our National Helpline 1800341900 is fully available 24 hours, 7 days thanks to our frontline staff & volunteers. Our Text Service for Deaf & Hard of Hearing women continues on 087 959 7980 & our online chat service is available as usual http://womensaid.ie #covid19Ireland
Our drop in service at Dolphin House Family Law court has temporarily suspended face to face contact but support is available by phone 089 221 4636 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm for women applying for domestic violence orders #Covid19Ireland
We have also had to suspend our face to face meetings and all court accompaniment but women already linked in with one of our workers will continue to be supported by phone. #COVID19ireland
Local services and refuges around the country are operating with various #Covid19Ireland restrictions. For information on local support call the national helpline on 1800 341 900 or visit @SAFEIreland for service updates during the Coronavirus emergency https://www.safeireland.ie/important-information-relating-to-domestic-abuse-and-covid-19/
We have been in contact with the @CourtsServiceIE, @SafeIreland, local support services, refuges & @GardaInfo and wish to acknowledge the collective efforts being made to ensure women who need support and legal protection receive it as far as possible, in these exceptional times.
Safety in this time of crisis is paramount and we encourage women to reach out and find support. http://www.womensaid.ie/services http://www.safeireland.com
It is the duty of @GardaInfo to investigate all incidents of domestic abuse and provide the appropriate information, support and protection to those affected according to their needs. Women who feel in immediate danger should call 112/999. #Covid19Ireland
At this time of national emergency we have a collective responsibility to look out for and help, in a safe way, women and children left vulnerable to abuse. Useful info available at http://www.womensaid.ie/help about safety planning and guidance for family and friends. #Covid19Ireland
In the days and months ahead we need your support to keep our vital services going. If you are able to, please show your support at http://www.womensaid.ie/donate or by texting ACTION to 50300 to donate €4. Terms and conditions apply at https://www.womensaid.ie/support/donate/donate-by-text.html #Covid19Ireland
