Donegal Domestic Violence Services and Donegal Womens Centre welcomes Landmark Motion to Prioritise Safe Housing in New Donegal Developments.

Donegal Domestic Violence Services (DDVS) and Donegal Womens Centre has welcomed the passing of a motion by Donegal County Council last month calling for the allocation of one safe house within every new housing development in the county. The motion represents an important recognition of the urgent and ongoing need for safe, secure and appropriate accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic abuse across County Donegal. For many women and families seeking to escape domestic abuse, access to safe and stable housing can be a critical factor in enabling them to leave an abusive situation and begin rebuilding their lives. The lack of suitable accommodation can create significant barriers for those seeking safety, particularly in rural communities where housing options may be limited.

 

Both organisations believe that the inclusion of safe housing within future housing developments has the potential to strengthen the county’s response to domestic abuse by increasing the availability of secure accommodation and supporting survivors to remain within their communities, close to family networks, schools, employment and essential services.

 

The organisations both welcome Donegal County Council’s recognition that housing is a central part of ensuring safety and supporting recovery. They also acknowledges the importance of developing practical and sustainable arrangements to ensure that any homes allocated under the proposal are appropriate, accessible and accompanied by the necessary safeguarding, referral and tenancy arrangements.

 

Fiona Jordan, Interim Assistant Manager of Donegal Domestic Violence Services, said: “The passing of this motion is a significant and welcome step towards recognising safe housing as an essential part of the response to domestic abuse. For women and children experiencing abuse, having somewhere safe and secure to live can mean the difference between remaining in danger and having the opportunity to move forward with dignity and independence. 

 

“We welcome Donegal County Council’s commitment to exploring this proposal and look forward to engaging with the Council and other relevant partners to support its effective implementation. It is vital that the development of safe housing is informed by the experiences and needs of survivors and is accompanied by appropriate supports, safeguards and long term housing security.”

 

They also recognise the significant psychological impact that domestic abuse can have on women. Living with domestic abuse can affect a woman’s confidence, sense of safety, self worth and mental wellbeing, and can have an impact long after she has left an abusive relationship.

 

Donegal Women’s Centre provides direct specialist trauma informed support through Domestic Violence Psychotherapists and Counsellors, helping women to address the emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse and to begin the process of recovery. Access to appropriate therapeutic and counselling supports is an important part of recovery and is considered alongside safe housing, safety planning and other practical supports when responding to the needs of women and children affected by domestic abuse.

 

Both organisations emphasised that the successful implementation of the motion will require collaboration between Donegal County Council, housing providers, Approved Housing Bodies, domestic violence services and other relevant agencies. The organisations also noted that safe housing must form part of a broader, coordinated response that includes emergency refuge accommodation, outreach services, safety planning, advocacy, legal and court support, and long term housing options.

 

Safe and secure accommodation is not simply about providing a roof over someone’s head. It is about creating a foundation from which women and children can begin to feel safe, regain independence and rebuild their lives free from abuse. Housing, specialist support and access to appropriate therapeutic services all have an important role to play in that recovery.

 

Donegal Domestic Violence Services and Donegal Womens Centre look forward to working constructively with Donegal County Council and all relevant stakeholders to help ensure that the proposal translates into meaningful, safe and sustainable housing opportunities for women and children affected by domestic abuse throughout County Donegal.

 

ENDS – 

 

Donegal Domestic Violence Services provides a range of confidential supports to women and children experiencing domestic abuse throughout County Donegal. Services include a 24-hour helpline, emergency refuge accommodation, outreach support, safety planning, advocacy and court support, housing support and referrals to other relevant services.

 

Donegal Women’s Centre is a specialist support service for women in County Donegal, providing a range of supports to women affected by domestic abuse and other challenges. The Centre provides access to Domestic Violence Psychotherapists and Counsellors, offering specialist therapeutic support to women experiencing the emotional and psychological impact of domestic abuse. The psychological effects of domestic abuse can be significant and long lasting, affecting a woman’s confidence, self esteem, sense of safety, emotional wellbeing and ability to rebuild her life following abuse. Specialist counselling and psychotherapy can play an important role in supporting women through recovery and helping them regain a sense of control and independence. Donegal Women’s Centre works to ensure that women have access to appropriate, confidential and supportive services and recognises the importance of addressing the psychological impact of domestic abuse alongside practical issues such as safe housing, financial security and access to legal and other supports.

 

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