'Help is available' to victims of domestic abuse over the festive period at Cuanlee

Cuanlee's refugee space at Kyrl’s Quay, Cork, which acts as a safe haven for women who have suffered domestic abuse. Picture: Dan Linehan

A women’s refuge in Cork is  seeking to reassure domestic violence victims that help is out there ahead of the Christmas period.

Management of Cuanlee refuge in Cork City, Which operates six refugee spaces and five step-down facilities, are making the pledge amid fears of an increase in domestic violence during the festive season.

Mary Cullinane said: “We are looking at a lot of disclosures now about sexual abuse, coercive control. Financial control is also huge this time of the year. 

"There is a lot of pressures on families at the moment economically, with addiction, with mental health. These are all factors which can be exacerbated around Christmas.” 

She  said it was important to stress that help is available. 

We are here. We will be here over the Christmas period. We have increased capacity. We have six in refuge, and we have five step-down (spaces) — soon to be seven.

Ms Cullinane stressed that Cuanlee does not operate a waiting list, adding: “We are working to have spaces for families over the Christmas period.”

She said that domestic violence and abuse can have a significant impact on every aspect of a person’s life, adding: “This is a particularly vulnerable time of the year if there has been or is currently domestic violence and abuse in the home.” 

She urged women in domestic violence situations to know that the staff of Cuanlee will help them develop a safety plan for themselves and any children they may have.

On occasions, women have arrived to the refuge in the middle of the night, without any belongings, she said. While accommodation at the refuge is short-term, the pressures on the rental sector mean that women are now staying longer in the facility than previously.

The refuge has been operating in Cork since 1978 and offers a range of services including social care, counselling, therapeutic childcare, social work, and addiction care.

A 24-hour helpline also provides support, information and a referral pathway for admission to the refuge.

Last month, a report from Focus Ireland said domestic violence is a significant factor in making mothers and their children homeless.

Cuanlee’s 24 hour helpline can be contacted at 021 - 4277698, or email: [e-mail]