Mayo hosts major conference on domestic abuse impacting local families

More than 150 representatives from Tusla, An Garda Síochána, CYPSC Mayo and Roscommon, and a wide range of community and voluntary organisations gathered in Claremorris to learn about the impact of domestic abuse on local communities.

The one-day event, ‘Listen to Me! Impacts of Domestic Abuse on Children and Families’,  took place at the McWilliam Park Hotel and was formally opened by Tusla Chief Officer for the West North West, Paddy Martim, and Garda Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon.

Tusla’s Mayo Area Manager, Heather Wilson, emphasised the importance of interagency collaboration to ensure that families experiencing domestic abuse can access timely and appropriate supports. "This was a really important event for Tusla," she said. “It provided an opportunity to increase practitioners’ knowledge and skills, to collaborate with partner agencies, to build a shared understanding of domestic violence and abuse, and to highlight Tusla’s Domestic Violence Informed Practice Guidance for Practitioners.”

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Inspector Naomi de Rís of An Garda Síochána also underlined the significance of the conference for AGS personnel. "There have been so many changes in the area of domestic abuse and domestic violence over the last number of years," she noted. “It was really important for AGS, Tusla, and other agencies to take this time to listen to the experiences of others, to upskill, and to collaborate on this issue of huge importance.”

The conference featured a number of key presentations, including a presentation from Áine Costello, Barnardos’ National Coordinator for the Childhood Domestic Abuse Project, on developing a shared understanding of childhood domestic violence and abuse.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Mention of the Garda National Domestic Abuse Unit presented on how Gardaí respond to and progress reports of domestic abuse, whether received directly by AGS or through partner organisations.

Tusla representatives Mary Butler Walsh and Ursula Conlon also delivered a presentation on Tusla’s Domestic Violence Informed Practice Guidance for Practitioners.

Workshops held in the afternoon gave participants the opportunity to network and share their learning from the morning sessions, and how they can apply this to their practice.

The following supports are available in Co. Mayo for anyone who has been affected by Domestic Violence and Abuse or who would like more information. If you are in immediate danger – call 999/112. Safe Ireland, Local Authority Integration Team in Mayo and Mayo Rape Crisis Centre.

Photo caption: Pictured above are, from left: Breda Quinn, Principal Social Worker, Tusla; Sharon Doherty, Training and Development Officer, Tusla; Deirdre Malone, Principal Social Worker, Tusla; Mary Dunne, Project Support, Mayo Children & Young People Services Committees; Naomi de Rís, Inspector, An Garda Síochána; Kieran McGolderick, Principal Social Worker, Tusla; Roisín Moyles. Children First Information and Advice Officer, Tusla; Paddy Martin, Regional Chief Officer West North West, Tusla; Jarlath Munnelly, Coordinator Mayo Children & Young People Services Committees; Michelle Moran, Prevention, Partnership & Family Support Manager, Tusla and Katie Carthy, Tusla Liaison Sergeant, An Garda Síochána.