If you are a victim of domestic, sexual or gender based abuse the following is, we hope, useful information that will give you access to help.
With Garda sources this week reporting a 25% increase in reported cases of domestic abuse, we want to take the opportunity to remind everyone, including our tenant, that if you are a victim of domestic, sexual or gender abuse, help is available and accessible even during this lockdown period.
If you believe that you or your children, or both, are in danger please don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you are in immediate danger, you should contact the Gardai by dialling 999 or 112 as soon as possible. They will respond quickly and will assist to make your situation safe.
If you are not in immediate danger but want some advice about how to handle or even how to escape an abusive environment there are a number of organisations that are able to discretely assist and advise you.
Organisations that can help
COSC offers national support, advice and information for victims of domestic, sexual and gender based abuse, regardless if you are male or female. www.cosc.ie
Womens Aid offer a 24 hour freephone help line 1800 341 900 that provides confidential information, support and understanding to women in the Republic of Ireland, who are being abused by current or former boyfriends, partners or husbands. It aims to empower women to identify what is happening for them within their relationship and support them to stay safe and support the safety of any children living within the relationship. For more information log into www.womensaid.ie
MensAid: Formerly known as Amen, MensAid is the only dedicated national service supporting men and their families experiencing domestic violence in Ireland. Their team of professional and qualified support staff have years of experience in supporting men and families experiencing domestic abuse. You can contact them on 01 554 3811 or by emailing hello@mensaid.ie
MaleAdviceLine: Men can also contact the Male Advice Line on 1800 816 588. They are open from 10am to 6pm Monday and Wednesday, 12pm -8pm, Tuesday and Thursday and 2pm to 6pm on a Friday.
ElderAbuse: For older people who are experiencing abuse in the home you should call: 1850 24 1850. The HSE website - www.hse.ie - contains excellent information on ElderAbuse and what to do if you suspect you or an elderly person you know may be being abused.
Rape Crisis Centre: If you need to talk to someone in confidence about sexual assault call: 1800 77 88 88.
This national helpline is run by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
If you are not the victim but think you have witnessed an abusive situation but aren’t quite sure what to do, as a first step you should visit www.whatwouldyoudo.ie this is a website that helps to identify what is an abusive situation and advises you on the steps to take to assist the often times silent victim.
Remember, If it is not safe for you to stay in your home you can leave. The current 2Kilometer travel distance restriction does not apply to you. Contact anyone of the above organisations, a friend or family member, get help then leave.
Finally, If you are still unsure, please reach out to your housing officer who will try to sensitively advise you through the next steps you should take.
For those who have use for this information we hope it is clear, easy to follow and will encourage you to reach out.
The Oaklee Team
