County Mayo domestic abuse resource pack launched

A new resource pack has been created to support people that work with children and families in County Mayo experiencing domestic abuse and domestic violence in their lives.

The County Mayo Domestic Abuse Resource Pack was developed as an interagency project as a response from organisations across Mayo that have first hand experience of working with children and families experience domestic abuse and domestic violence.

The pack was heavily influenced by a similar development in County Roscommon and was led by the Safeguarding Children and Young People Sub-Group of Mayo Children and Young Peoples Services Committee (CYPSC). 

The chairperson of the subgroup, Roisín Moyles, Tusla’s Children First Information and Advice Officer who is also a member of the Mayo CYPSC committee, said that this development was a priority action for the sub-group for 2025; Domestic violence and abuse, how it impacts on children and providing guidance for services were identified as a priority by Mayo CYPSC this year. Many agencies working with children and families have reported the need for up-to-date guidance on this subject.

The resource pack contains definitions of commonly used terms, information about domestic abuse and the legal system, as well guidance for workers on how to recognise the various forms of domestic abuse. The pack also contains a list of contact details of agencies working in Mayo who can offer support to people impacted by domestic abuse.

Chairperson of Mayo CYPSC, Heather Wilson, Tusla Area Manager for Mayo, said that this resource pack would greatly assist workers supporting children and families experiencing domestic abuse.

This Resource Pack provides accurate information and guidance for people working to support families experiencing domestic abuse and domestic violence. It will be of great assistance to all people who work in this area.

The agencies involved in developing the pack included Tusla, An Garda Síochána, Safe Ireland Mayo, Foróige, South West Mayo Development Company, Mayo North East, Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, Mayo County Council Local Authority Integration Team and Mayo County Childcare Committee.

The Mayo Domestic Abuse Resource Pack is available to download here.

Photo caption, standing left to right: Kathleen Kelly, Domestic Violence Liaison Officer, Tusla, Roisín Moyles, Children First Information and Advice Officer, Tusla, Shauna Jackson, Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, Nicola Carroll, Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, Heather Wilson, Mayo Area Manager, Tusla, Naomi de Rís, Inspector, An Garda Síochána, Anita Finnegan, Safe Ireland
Mayo, Jarlath Munnelly, Coordinator, Mayo CYPSC. (photo caption: Karen Chambers, The Media Chambers)

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