Several of Donegal’s domestic abuse & sexual violence centres were visited by Safe Ireland’s Chief Executive this week.
Safe Ireland aims to eradicate Domestic, Sex, Gender and Sexuality-Based Violence (DSGSBV) in the country.
Interim CEO of the organisation Christine Lodge visited the Donegal Women’s Centre, Donegal Domestic Violence Services and Lifeline Inishowen as part of her visit to the county.
She said that Safe Ireland were “proud to celebrate their achievements” as part of her visit.
“I visited Letterkenny to shine a light on Domestic Violence services in Donegal,” Christine said.
“These services have been providing specialist support to victim survivors of domestic violence across Donegal for decades. Donegal Domestic Violence Service, Donegal Women’s Centre and Lifeline Inishowen provide safety, solutions and support to women at times of greatest need and we in Safe Ireland are proud to celebrate their achievements and their ongoing commitment to the wider Safe Ireland network as an essential part of Ireland’s response to domestic, sexual and gender based violence.”
She heard calls from representatives of all three organisations, with rural isolation, the housing crisis and a lack of services available before a victim reaches safety being key issues raised.
Amongst the measures proposed to address these issues is the expansion of Safe Homes, with the charities saying they are committed to work collaboratively with Safe Ireland as well as other organisations such as Cuan, Donegal County Council, Housing Associations and the Government to deliver them.
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They also stressed that national funding being allocated towards domestic violence services must translate into accessible, sustainable and properly resourced services in rural communities.
Mary Herlihy, Manager of Donegal Women’s Centre, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Christine Lodge to Donegal. We are grateful for Safe Ireland’s recognition of the essential work being delivered her. Our service provides a safe and confidential space where women can begin to rebuild their lives following domestic abuse and coercive control.”
“The reality for women in Donegal is that rural isolation can make an already dangerous situation even more difficult. Distance, transport, housing and financial barriers can prevent women from accessing safety and support. We must ensure that where a woman lives does not determine whether she can get help.”
“The message from Safe Ireland is hugely important for our staff and for the women we support. Specialist services such as Donegal Women’s Centre, Donegal Domestic Violence Services and Lifeline Inishowen must continue to be recognised, resourced and sustained as an essential part of the national response to DSGBV.”
Fiona Jordan, Interim Assistant Manager of Donegal Domestic Violence Services, said:
“Women contacting Donegal Domestic Violence Services are often reaching out at some of the most frightening and dangerous points in their lives. Our role is to make sure that when they take that first step, they are heard, believed and supported. In a rural county, isolation can be a powerful tool of coercive control.”
“A woman may have no transport, no access to money, no safe accommodation and may be living many miles from specialist services. These are real barriers to leaving and to recovery.”
“We are extremely grateful to Christine Lodge and Safe Ireland for recognising the dedication and expertise of specialist services across Donegal. This national recognition strengthens our call for continued investment in frontline services, safe accommodation and sustainable pathways to safety for women and children.”
Bridgeen Coyle, General Manager of Lifeline Inishowen, said:
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Christine Lodge, Interim CEO of Safe Ireland, to engage in a constructive and timely discussion regarding the critical landscape of domestic violence services in Donegal and the North West.”
“Our meeting focused on the pressing need for sustainable, long-term support systems to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families across the Inishowen Peninsula and broader Donegal receive the vital care, refuge, and advocacy they require. As demand for domestic abuse support continues to rise locally, working collaboratively with national partners like Safe Ireland is essential for amplifying rural voices, addressing regional service challenges, and driving meaningful policy change.”
“At Lifeline Inishowen, our priority remains the delivery of high-quality, compassionate, and accessible community-based support. We look forward to building on this positive engagement with Safe Ireland as we collectively work towards a safer, fully supported future for all victims and survivors of domestic violence.”