50% rise in calls to Roscommon domestic abuse charity

Calls to a Roscommon domestic abuse charity helpline are up 50% in recent weeks, it's emerged.

Roscommon Safe Link said the recent Covid-19 crisis has given rise to an increase in domestic violence and abuse throughout the county, and as a consequence, an increased demand for their services.

Although based in Boyle, the organisation offers information, support and counselling to men and women who have experienced domestic violence and abusive situations across the county, including all over the south Roscommon area.

“We offer a range of services to both women and men who find themselves in dangerous situations. These services include immediate crisis response, advocacy, individual and group support counselling, as well as a host of information services,” Anne Carey, Project Manager with Roscommon Safe Link said in a recent statement.

Coinciding with an increased demand for their services, Roscommon Safe Link, like other charities nationwide has experienced a huge drop in fundraising.

One of the main sources of funds for the organisation was its second-hand clothes shop in Boyle. Increased restrictions on the small charities means that reopening the shop in the coming months is highly unlikely, the organisation said this week.

“Providing our service is of course our main focus and while we receive funding from supporting bodies, our additional fundraising is very important to us. It covers things like our administration, ongoing training and team-building sessions.

“The closure of our shop is a big financial loss for us so I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to people for support. We can offer help and advice to volunteer fundraisers so, if anyone wants to make a donation or organise an event for us, that would be a great help,” Anne Carey explained.

“We are currently updating our website and our social media platforms to incorporate fundraising for the first time. We hope people will support us financially in the same way as we support others; practically and emotionally,” she added.

Anyone wishing to assist with fundraising can make contact with Roscommon Safe Link on 087 2512030 and through roscommonsafelink.ie for help and advice.

In addition, Roscommon Safe Link, in association with Roscommon Tusla Child & Family Support Network has developed a resource pack to equip professionals with the knowledge necessary to identify domestic abuse and to assist and support victims.

The resource pack, the first of its kind in Ireland, provides professionals with the tools and contacts of services in the local area to ensure the effects of domestic violence on the family and children are limited.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or violence or know someone who is, please call Roscommon Safe Link without delay on 071 9664200 or visit info@roscommonsafelink.ie for more information.