Groundbreaking reports on domestic violence

Groundbreaking reports on domestic violence


Áine Ryan

TWO NEW groundbreaking reports about domestic violence against women have been published recently as the endemic social problem is exacerbated by the effects of the recession. 
Speaking to The Mayo News, Ms Josephine McGourty, Manager of the Mayo Women’s Support Services (MWSS), said the significance of the reports – on Safety and Change and a census of those accessing services – is that it is the first time that such studies have been carried out in Ireland.
‘Safety and Change – A national study of support needs and outcomes for women accessing refuge provision in Ireland’ reveals that 73 per cent of women who access emergency refuge due to domestic violence say they want to be safer and change their lives.
 The second report, based on the findings of a census on November 4, 2008, was a National One Day Count of women and children accessing Safe Ireland Domestic Violence Services. 
“The safety and change report is an evaluation of women in refuge. It is a very important report because it is the first time women’s needs, worries and what they want for their children is systematically identified,” said Josephine McGourty.
Dr Sarah Morton, Services Development Manager, noted the report identified that women accessing refuge ‘were looking for protection for themselves and their children from their partner, or management of contact with their partner’.
“Nearly all of the women (97 per cent) said that they felt more protected from their partner or ex-partner on leaving refuge, with 95 per cent saying that they were better able to get what they needed for themselves and their children to move on,” the report states.
It continues: “The report shows that 38 per cent of women said that they would have nowhere else to go without refuge.”
“Women have told us what they want and it is important that the government takes what these women have to say seriously and continues to provide adequately for frontline domestic violence services,” Dr Morton said. She also said indications were that demand for services was increasing. Further information: www.safeireland.ie