Domestic Violence Services
Longford Women’s Link service to women surviving abuse in her home by someone she has a close relationship with is called our Domestic Violence Services.
Our service is available to you
- If you wish to leave
- If you don’t wish to leave
- If you have already left
We will
- Listen to your story and the knowledge you already have
- Provide information you don’t already have
- Go with you to court if you want
- Go with you to other professionals to support you get your rights and entitlements
If you need more information on how our service works
don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us.
OUR SERVICES ARE FREE
Here are a few questions you may have:
When and how do I get to see someone?
We work by appointments to make sure you get the best we have to offer.
Ring up our reception on 04341511
Give us your first name only for now
Tell us you want the Domestic Violence service
Give us your phone number
Tell us the best time to ring you back
A Support worker will ring you and make an appointment as soon as she is available.
When you are in the appointment you can tell us what you need. It will probably be easer when you have met the support worker face to face.
Women have told us the first call is the hardest to make and many have said the fear of people knowing their business is a worry for them. That is why we suggest you wait to meet a support worker in a safe confidential space before you tell us what’s happening.
What if I need to talk to some one now – it’s urgent?
If it’s between 9 to 5, ring in and tell the receptionist you need to speak to someone now. If you tell them it’s urgent you will get phone support there and then. Our phone support can tell you about safe crisis accommodation and other crisis support information.
If it’s not office hours you could ring Women’s Aid (web site www.womensaid.ie ) free phone 1800 341 900
What if I can’t get in to Longford
or
I have children and no one to mind them!
When you speak to the support worker she will ask you what you need to be able to get here. She will talk to you about meeting you outside Longford if that suits you. Don’t be shy to tell us what you need. You have the same right as any of our services users to the resources we have.If we have it – you get it.
What information will I need to give?
LWL Domestic Violence services were set up for women by women. We are not a state agency. When you get your appointment, the only information we need is what you want to tell us. The recording we do is information for your use only. We do not give personal information to any other person or agency and we follow the data protection laws. If you don’t want us to record anything, we won’t.
We do produce statistics that are about numbers not personal details (you can see an example further on).
I don’t want anyone to know I am going to this service!
Or
What if I know someone working in the centre!
Only your support worker will know you story. There is a very strict confidentiality policy in LWL. When you come in you are coming to a centre where many women are coming to other courses, groups, childcare etc. If you are worried let your support worker know!
Do you only work with women?
Yes. We are a women’s resource centre and we only support women in our Domestic Violence services. We know from the knowledge and evidence from Ireland and all over the world that Domestic Violence is experienced mostly by women. Our services are tailored to the particular needs of women but we do refer men to the Boyle Family Life Centre (web sitewww.familylifecentre.ie 071 96 63000) if they look for support.
Maybe it’s not that bad and I don’t want to waste your time!
We have loads of women who have said this and they were glad they came in anyway.
Talking to you is never waste of our time.
You can expect to be treated with dignity and respect.
You are the expert and our job is to support you!
If you are not ready to pick up the phone and tell someone
Remember this
Abuse of my right to feeling safe
Abuse of my right to money for my basic needs
Abuse of my right to see my friends or family
Abuse of my right to say no to sex
Abuse of my right to behave or think in my own way
Is an abuse of my dignity as a human being!
And one day when I’m ready
One day when I know the time is right
I will look you in the eye and I will say
No more —– This is the line you will not cross
How ever long this will take
The day will come
When I will know peace in my home again