Donegal Domestic Violence Services has launched its new winter appeal called ‘Safe at Home’.
Winter is a challenging time of the year for many people, but for families who are in poverty and also living in fear it is especially difficult.
This year the Donegal Domestic Violence Service is trying to support families to stay safe in their own home by providing access to security cameras, panic alarms and providing supervised access for children where needed over the holiday period.
“It’s not your typical Christmas appeal,” explains service manager Marie Hainsworth, “because we recognised that in domestic abuse situations it’s not really presents that children want at Christmas and during the holidays but it is to be free from the sense of fear and dread that they have been experiencing.”
The funds raised will help the Donegal Domestic Violence Service continue providing supports so that children can have safe access and families that have moved out of the family home can feel safe in their new homes.
Marie said: “We have units for refuge and safe housing available throughout the county but this is only temporary for families and being able to support families to either stay in the family home with increased security or to make their new home feel secure is a better longer term solution.”
By the end of September 2023 Donegal Domestic Violence Service had received 64 requests for emergency accommodation and with only 11 units of accommodation across the county demand far outweighed supply.
DDVS currently receives 5 to 6 new calls every week from people seeking access to the service and works with an average of 100 families each month to offer support with court, child access, accessing homeless supports and providing emotional one to one support for victims of domestic abuse.
The service also offers a children’s group programme and access to children and adolescent creative art therapy.
If anyone needs more information our website (which can be translated into any language click the translate bottom at the top of the page) is donegaldomesticviolenceservices.ie the 24hr Freephone helpline number is 1800 262677 or you can message / WhatsApp on 0873812438 we are also available on Facebook @DonegalDVS
To donate online, please visit: https://donegaldomesticviolenceservices.enthuse.com/cf/safe-at-home
Or if you wish to organise a fundraising event in your community or business, please contact refuge@ddvs1.com.
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