MWSS, the frontline domestic violence service in Mayo which offers a range of supports to women and children affected by domestic abuse and coercive control has welcomed "the timely, new Government awareness and information campaign on domestic violence, called ‘Still Here’ which will run across radio and television over the next few weeks."
Josephine McGourty, manager of MWSS, 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 Mayo. She described the campaign as creative and strong in its message to survivors and communities, that professional frontline supports in Mayo are open and operating and that the 2km zone did not apply to survivors seeking safety. She encouraged people to call the service on (087 ) 656972 for support and information.
She added: "The most important message is that we are open and working to help protect women and children here in Mayo. Covid-19 brings challenges but we are re-configuring and finding new and creative ways to help keep women safe.
She commented that while the outreach remains busy, the phone lines are quieter than usual saying: "It is the silence that is ominous. Our greatest concern, is that women may be finding it much more difficult to make contact for support. Previously women may have contacted services when they or their partners were at work or out of the house, or when children were in school. Those little windows of freedom are being cut down."
In such stressful circumstances it was more important than ever that there was a strong community response to domestic violence, she said, adding: "During Covid-19 we are being reminded that we are all in this together. The response to domestic violence can be no different. We are asking people to be vigilant, to keep in touch with friends and family, to be aware that homes may not be safe and to be her voice in looking for support at a time when she may not be able to use her voice.”
She said that a strong awareness campaign must be matched with solid and reliable State funding so that Mayo Women’s Support Services is adequately resourced to continue to re-home women or keep them safe in their homes. Safe Ireland, the national social change agency, has made a case to Government on behalf of all services, including MWSS, for €1.6 millon to enable all services to manage the current crisis adequately.
