Mayo can now offer a "safe haven" to victims of domestic violence. The twin options of a refuge for those who have to flee their homes, and outreach support for those who cannot, are now available in the State's third-largest county.
What's more, a single 24-hour telephone help-line and referral service for victims nation-wide may be established later this year, the Minister of State and chairwoman of the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women, Ms Mary Wallace, indicated in Castlebar last week. The junior minister was speaking at an open day hosted by Mayo Women's Refuge and Support Services in the refuge centre in Breaffy Road, Castlebar.
The refuge is backed by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the Western Health Board, but the philosophy behind it is such that many women and children experiencing violence may never have to take shelter there. It may also become a national model.
When Josephine McGourty was appointed a project leader with the St Vincent de Paul Society in 1994, she consulted with others on the most suitable approach for the area. Up until then, the only safe haven was Waterside House in Galway.
Given the geography - 100 miles by 100 miles, across some very remote territory - the service had to be different. It also had to dispel the very real fear, based on myth, that women who came forward to seek help might lose their children to the health board. Ms McGourty and colleagues, including Yvonne Walsh, Helen Mortimer and Carmel Burke, found that most of those who needed it much preferred the support, information and protection that could be provided to them behind their own closed doors.
"In effect, they discovered a new model," Dr Sheelah Ryan, chief executive of the Western Health Board, explained. Particularly suited to rural communities, it sets out all the legal, financial and social support services available to women to protect themselves. "This is the core work of the Mayo Women's Refuge and Support Services and this will continue and grow," Dr Ryan said. The refuge is an essential back-up, but is limited in space. The partnership is committed to supporting full opening, when funds permit, she said.
The outreach service was established in 1995 - the first of its kind in the State - and includes confidential visits to give advice and support, and the offer of accompaniment to court. Initially, confined to Castlebar, Claremorris and Ballina, it was extended in May, 1997 to include once-monthly visits serving Achill island, Belmullet, Ballinrobe, Westport, Swinford, Kiltimagh and Ballyhaunis.
There are two secure units of accommodation in the refuge in Castlebar, and the environment is non-judgmental. The service also runs seminars and workshops, and gives talks to women's groups, schools and within the community, voluntary and statutory sectors.
Current projects include a partnership with Sonas, the Women's Aid Housing Association, Ballina Urban District Council and Respond to provide transitional and long-term housing for women and children made homeless.
One issue highlighted at Friday's open day was the experience of children. Increasingly, it has been found that children of women experiencing abuse are also at great risk. "We are now beginning to understand the connection," Dr Ryan noted. "We are also beginning at last to have some understanding of the impact that living in fear and terror can have."