Tag Archives: Helpline

TO MARK International Women’s Day on March 8, Clare Haven Services has launched a confidential helpline for LGBTI+ women. “Although our 24-hour helpline is there for all women whatever their sexuality or family status, we are aware that for some people, services such as ours may conjure up only some of the many different ways in which Domestics Abuse can be experienced,” a spokesperson said. “In order to address that assumption and also recognise  that LGBTI+ women might be cautious about using a mainstream number for that initial, tentative reaching out, we now have available a dedicated number for those women, should they choose to use it.” The Istanbul Convention which is ratified and in force in Ireland prohibits discrimination on many grounds, including gender identity and sexual orientation. Research in other jurisdictions show that  LGBTI+ women are subjected to domestic abuse and may be revictimised if they attempt to report it or seek support. “By making this dedicated number available, our …

A DEDICATED helpline to support those cocooning and self-isolating in East Clare has been established. The service, which can be reached at 085-8659889 from 9am to 4pm, is designed to ensure anyone in need of help can access it through the East Clare Covid-19 Community Response Group. The group, which works in collaboration with Clare County Council, is made up of volunteers from Flagmount, Killanena, Feakle, Scariff, Tuamgraney, Ogonnelloe, Bodyke, Mountshannon and Whitegate, and the helpline has been set up to ensure greater coordination and a faster response for those in need. Jim Collins from Mountshannon, who is one of those responding to helpline calls, told The Champion there is now “an army of volunteers” in place. “The support has really been overwhelming,” he noted. “There has been an amazing willingness to help and we have members from every sports and social club as well as the community sector.” To-date, the volume of calls to the helpline has been manageable, …

WOMEN affected by domestic abuse and domestic violence are finding it more difficult to make contact for support with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic removing “little windows of freedom”, according to Clare Haven. However the local service have assured that they are open and working to protect women and children despite the ongoing health crisis. This comes as Clare Gardai confirmed a number of domestic violence incidences were reported to them last week. Clare Haven Services, which has been supporting women and children affected by Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence in Co Clare for 25 years, has welcomed as “timely” a new Government awareness and information campaign on domestic violence. Dr Siobhán O’Connor, Manager of Services, said that the campaign comes at a critical time for women and children who may be confined and isolated with their abuser in towns and townlands across the county. She said that the campaign was creative and strong in its message to survivors and communities …

At a time when crime in rural areas in Clare has become an all to frequent occurrence, it has emerged calls regarding burglary and theft made up almost one-third of contacts with the National Crime Victims Helpline last year. With 29% of calls dealing with burglary and theft, this was followed closely by assault (25%) and harassment (20%), according to the organisation’s annual report. Michele Puckhaber, Helpline coordinator, said, “Many people understand how an assault can be traumatising to a victim but may discount the serious impact of crimes such as burglary and theft. When your home is burgled or there has been an attempt to break in, people can experience strong emotional reactions, or feel a loss of control. Your home is the place where you expect to feel safe. A burglary can take away from feelings of safety and control.” Burglary can be particularly devastating to families with children. Many people who ring into the Helpline are looking …