CLARE Haven Services has launched a new fundraising campaign seeking corporate donations to help cope with the dramatic increase in the demand for its services.
Dr Siobhan O’Connor, Clare Haven Services manager, has confirmed there was a 21% increase in the number of people accessing their refuge from December 2019 to December 2020, which covers a large portion of the Covid-19 pandemic.
There was also a similar hike in the number of people using the Clare Haven helpline during this period.
Dr O’Connor said the increase shows the importance of having services like Clare Haven available at a localised specialised level and the complexity of domestic abuse, as survivors need a selection of choices and supports.
With great determination, Clare Haven and its supporters have worked tirelessly throughout Covid-19 to ensure that all women and children who reached out for help and support have the comfort and knowledge that they will be supported by this service for women and their children.
“When lockdown was announced, thousands of people were suddenly stuck indoors, day and night, with their abusers who were feeling dis-empowered and frustrated.
“It was a horrific perfect storm. We need to raise awareness about domestic violence and how it is negatively impacting hundreds of people across the county each year.
“We know that the demand for refuge services for women and children increased dramatically during this year of Covid-19,” she said.
Clare Haven rose to this challenge and increased its support needed to help these women and children, despite the devastating impact of Covid-19 on its fundraising.
In response to this need, Clare Haven has launched its “Home is where the Hearth is” 2021 appeal.
This appeal is to ensure it can keep up with the increase in women and children seeking their help, improve some of the outdoor and children’s play areas and the spaces where it provides therapeutic services.
The appeal provides individuals and companies across the county with an easy way to participate in the effort to spread awareness of this important issue, since awareness is a critical component of prevention.
All the funds raised will help improve and increase the services its provides for women and children.
Clare Haven has also expressed its gratitude for all the donations and financial support is has received for people over the last 12 months.
Any company or individual who wishes to make a donation, can log on to the Clare Haven Services website and click the donate button or contact 065 6842646 for further information.

By Dan Danaher