Roscommon project to help identify and support domestic violence victims

Roscommon Child and Family Support Network (CFSN) are officially launching the Co. Roscommon Domestic Abuse Resource Pack this week.

ABOVE: At the launch of County Roscommon Domestic Abuse Resource Pack were Anne Carey Tusla Project Manager, Caroline Duignan, co-ordinator, Roscommon Children and Young People Services, Maria Moynihan, Abbey Community College, Sgt. Maura McGarry, Boyle Garda Station, Linda Walsh, Roscommon SafeLink, Noreen O'Callaghan, Foroige, Karen Delaney, Boyle Family Life Centre, Inspector Tom Colsh, Boyle Garda Station. Louise Moran, Boyle Family Life Centre, Sinead O'Neill, Project Leader, Family Support Services, Nth. Roscommon. Pic Brian Farrell

The resource pack was developed to equip professionals with the knowledge necessary to identify domestic violence and to support victims. The resource which is the first of its kind in Ireland, provides professionals with the tools and contacts of services in the local area to ensure the effects of domestic violence on families and children are limited.

Roscommon CFSN is a collection of services that have come together with the aim of improving service provision to better support children and families in the area. In 2019 the group identified a need for improved coordination of domestic abuse services within Roscommon and decided to develop the Co. Roscommon Domestic Abuse Resource Pack.

The group also developed a video to promote the Resource Pack and to highlight the importance to seeking help when experiencing domestic abuse.

See the video here:

Denise Swanick, Roscommon Senior CFSN Co-ordinator, Tusla, said: “At some point in our professional life and/or private life we will be confronted by the issue of Domestic Abuse. The Co. Roscommon Domestic Abuse Resource pack will assist professionals to support victims, by providing information on; how to recognise domestic abuse, the different types of abuse and how to access supports. The Resource pack will signpost professionals through this complex and difficult issue, to ask the right questions and direct to the most appropriate service."

Denise added "Supporting families and keeping children safe is everyone’s business hence the collaboration of services in the development of this document and delivery of services to children and families in Co. Roscommon."

Ann Carey from Safe Link Roscommon’s domestic abuse service, highlighted that there has been an increase of 35% in new clients and an increase of 50% in crisis calls to the helpline since the beginning of Covid 19 so it is essential that people are aware of the supports available in Roscommon.

Key Messages from the Resource Pack:

● Co-parenting: We understand that you as a parent can be going through a difficult time as a result of domestic abuse but it is important to learn to communicate and co-parent your children.

● Domestic Abuse is everybody’s business: We need to be aware of how to recognise it, know the signs, how to listen, how to respond and know what to do, should it happen to you or yours. It is our business, our responsibility.

● #Stillhere during Covid 19 Pandemic: It is important that you know you are not alone – domestic and sexual violence support services from State agencies and the voluntary sector have been adapted to deal with increase demand during this time.

● Breaking the cycle of abuse: Our understanding of the cycle of abuse is the first step to breaking it.

● An Garda Siochana are here to help and support anyone who is a victim of Domestic Abuse. You don’t have to leave to be supported.

● Effects on Children: Some of the biggest victims of domestic violence are the smallest. Children see and hear more than you think.