This article is from page 8 of the 2009-08-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
A COMBINATION of factors is playing a role in extra pressure being exerted on Clare Haven.
The organisation provides support to female victims of physical and emotional abuse at its facility in En- nis and also at its outreach centres across the county.
As the organisation’s figures show that the numbers of women requir- ing help has increased significantly, Services Manager Denise Dunne says that an increased level of aware- ness has played a role.
Ms Dunne said that the statistics have increased, right across the board.
‘There is a combination of things. We have been doing a lot of aware- ness raising. We have been call- ing to doctors’ surgeries and health centres with our leaflets and posters. We have increased awareness of our service. The downturn in the econo- my has also played a role. We have a lot of women coming to us who are not well off,’ said Ms Dunne.
“I don’t think domestic violence has increased. I’m hoping people’s awareness has increased and people are less tolerant of it,’ she said.
Women visit the centre due to a number of reasons, such as emo- tional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse or social abuse.
“It covers not just physical abuse. It would be mostly physical abuse for those who come into the refuge. Peo- ple only come to the refuge as a last resort,’ said Ms Dunne.
Clare Haven engages in a number of initiatives, one of which 1s a pilot pro- gramme in schools and youthreach centres. The sessions are educational and the feedback from teachers and students alike has been positive.
“The more we can educate people around violence in general, the bet- ter,’ said Ms Dunne.
Many women seeking help from Clare Haven turn up at the refuge with their children. “If it’s danger-
ous to be at home, they will take the children with them. Lately we see a lot of older women coming in. Finan- cially, they wouldn’t have the means to alternative accommodation. A lot of the time, women are coming to the refuge waiting for a barring or- der, protection order or safety order (taken out in court),” she said.
While the majority of women visit- ing Clare Haven have been abused by their partners, others are abused by
their grown-up children.
She said that alcohol and drugs may play a role in abuse, but is not the only factor. “Certainly if alcohol and drugs are involved, it might exacer- bate the violence. It doesn’t cause it. We have plenty of clients coming in where the partner doesn’t abuse alco- hol or drugs,’ she added.