Support for Women Experiencing Violence During COVID-19
In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, women and girls may be at higher risk of intimate partner violence and other forms of domestic violence due to increased tensions in the household. Women self-isolating and working from home may be more at risk of psychological, sexual and physical violence from an abusive partner.
For women feeling worried about the impact of COVID-19 on emergency plans and their safety at home there are a number of supports available.
If you feel in immediate danger please contact the Gardaí or call 999 or 112.
An Garda Siochana has increased resources and they will offer women all the information, support and protection they need.
Restrictions on movement do not apply to a person escaping from a risk of harm or seeking to access essential services.
If you’re worried someone might see you have been on this page, you can cover your tracks. Read advice from Woman’s Aid about covering your tracks online.
Barring, Protection or Safety Orders
Be assured, the District Court is continuing to hear urgent matters in all District Court Districts throughout the country. It is important to know that you can still get Barring, Protection or Safety Orders at this time. Find more information on how to seek an order here.
Reliable supports for women experiencing domestic violence during COVID-19
If your home isn’t safe support is Still Here visit https://www.stillhere.ie
Women’s Aid
Providing free and confidential support to women experiencing domestic violence, family and friends and professionals supporting victims of abuse.
Women’s Aid can help you if you are experiencing emotional or physical domestic violence.
National Freephone Helpline, call 24 hours on 1800 341 900.
Text service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing women available daily on 087 959 7980.
National Helpline Instant Messaging Service available on www.womensaid.ie 7 nights a week from 7pm to 10pm. Additional hours during the Covid19 crisis include Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm and Saturday 12pm to 3pm and Sunday 11am – 1pm. This service is run by a dedicated group of trained volunteers.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre
The National 24-Hour Freephone Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 77 88 88 will remain open for those who need to access crisis counselling and support.
DRCC Webchat is a free and confidential online support service for adults who have been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed or sexually abused at any time in their lives. It is open to people from all over Ireland. Find more information on the webchat here.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre are adjusting how they deliver their services during COVID-19.
Find out about Dublin Rape Crisis Centre services on their website.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland
Safe Ireland – National Support services for domestic violence
There are 38 domestic abuse services including refuge spaces located in towns right across Ireland. Services are free, confidential* and available to all women. You can contact the service that is most convenient for you.
Find information on domestic abuse services including refuge spaces nationwide on the Safe Ireland website or call Safe Ireland on 0906 479078.
*All domestic abuse services have policies in-line with the Children First Guidelines. When you make contact with a service you will be made aware of the services policy in the case of disclosures about child abuse.
Sonas Refuge, Dublin
Sonas’s Refuge in Dublin is 24/7 crisis refuge for women experiencing domestic abuse. Speak to the refuge team by calling 01 8662015 or emailing refuge@sonasdomesticabuse.ie
