‘No community is untouched by violence; it’s vital that we work together to change the narrative’

Emma Reidy, CEO of the Dublin-based charity, shares the story of how this small group of women from Ballymun rallied to confront the pervasive issue of domestic violence in their community.

Founded in 1988, today the organisation stands out for its sustained positive impact on families across the country and is a testament to resilience, compassion and the power of collective action.

Emma takes us back to the early days: “At the time, there was a significant gap in services addressing domestic violence. The community needed more than just a safe space; it needed a voice.”

Inter-generational element

The women involved recognised that the struggles they faced – domestic violence intertwined with social deprivation – were not isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger systemic problem. In the early days, support was provided to other women and families from a single flat in Ballymun. “It wasn’t easy to secure resources. Initially, we operated from a single flat . . . [but] by working with local authorities and gaining support from the then Eastern Health Board, we were able to establish a more robust facility to serve those in crisis.”

“Then and now, we know that if we don’t take action the cycle of violence continues and has an inter-generational element,” explains Emma.

Emma goes on to explain that tackling domestic violence requires more than just emergency response and the organisation has developed a dual approach: immediate crisis response through refuge services and a helpline and a proactive community outreach programme that emphasises prevention. This makes the charity quite unique in Ireland. “Our aim is to improve safety and respond to crises while also providing longer-term support to prevent these situations from occurring in the first place.”

The establishment of the nationwide helpline was an important development, offering immediate assistance to individuals across the country. “It’s crucial that people know where to turn when they need help.”

Many women who have experienced domestic abuse explain that the first step to seeking support is difficult to navigate and therefore the helpline is a very important element, signposting the next steps that can seem impossible in the moment. The person on the phone line provides emotional support as well as practical advice on safety planning and accessing immediate resources. This immediate response is paired with the Aoibhneas’s commitment to creating longer-lasting solutions through community engagement.

“One call can change a life,” explains Emma.

Community visibility

Emma emphasises the importance of being embedded within communities, especially when it comes to preventative measures, to help to end a cycle of domestic violence but also for crisis support. “Visibility matters. If we’re not present, people may feel isolated and go without the necessary support,” she explains. The team’s efforts have successfully created access points across north county Dublin, ensuring families can receive assistance without leaving their neighbourhoods.

“The goal is to ensure families don’t have to uproot their lives to find help. We want to support them where they are, within their communities,” she says. This inclusive approach fosters trust, essential in building relationships with those seeking assistance. “When community members recognise us as part of their fabric, they begin to open up about their struggles.”

Changing the narrative

The organisation has also developed training programmes tailored for local service providers and community groups, aiming to equip them with the tools necessary to identify and respond to signs of domestic violence. “There’s no community untouched by violence; it’s vital that we work together to change the narrative,” Emma, who was awarded 2019 Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards, passionately asserts.

Aoibhneas collaborates with various stakeholders, running workshops and information. “We’re trying to break down the barriers of misinformation and stigma that prevent people from seeking help,” she says.

Children as victims

One area of focus for the organisation is the recognition and support of children as victims of domestic violence in their own right. “For too long, children were seen merely as witnesses to abuse, but they are profoundly affected by it.” The paradigm shift to acknowledge children as victims allows the organisation to tailor services that address their specific needs.

In their refuge, children come from various backgrounds, and many show signs of trauma related to their experiences. “We’re committed to providing therapeutic and non-therapeutic support because their healing journeys are just as important as the adults’ experiences,” Emma states.

This Christmas, iCare and IMAGE Media are supporting Aoibhneas to deliver support to women and children residing in the Dublin safe accommodation this Christmas and to those who have accessed the Aoibhneas support and outreach services this year. You can find out more about the campaign here.