Any person suffering from domestic violence and abuse this Christmas is being assured that help is available at any time.
There are growing concerns for the Christmas period as Women’s Aid revealed its 24hr National Freephone Helpline (1800341900) responded to 41% more calls since the start of the pandemic compared to last year.
Gardaí in Donegal have also issued a statement appealing to the public to reach out for help at any time.
“We are here to listen. We are here to help. Please do not feel alone and please do not suffer abuse in your home over the Christmas period or at any time of the year,” they said.
Gardaí are also reminding domestic abuse victims that there are no travel restrictions for any person needing to leave home to get to a place of safety.
They said: “Please do contact your local Garda Station should you wish to report a matter of domestic abuse or contact any of the Garda District Headquarters at any time of the day or night should you need help. You may also request to speak to someone at the Garda Station or at another location in private and discuss the options that are open to you. In the case of an emergency, please call 999 or 112.”
District Headquarters: Letterkenny 074-9167100, Milford 074- 9153060, Buncrana 074-9320540 and Ballyshannon 071-9858530.
Support services available in Donegal over the Christmas period:
For more information, please visit: https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/domestic-abuse/support-services.html