Domestic Violence & Coercive Control
Half of all women murdered in Ireland are killed either by their current or ex-partner
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic domestic violence has intensified all over the world
Anyone can experience domestic violence regardless of gender
What is domestic violence?
An incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in most cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or care giver.
Why are we concerned in emergency department?
Domestic violence is common, more common that you can imagine. Domestic violence does not imply physical injuries only. It is a vicious cycle of emotional, financial, sexual, psychological, and physical violence leading to coercion where the abnormal becomes normal. This leads of a myriad of mental and physical illnesses with which these people present to emergency department.
Why should we screen people for domestic violence / abuse in emergency department?
It takes on an average 35 events of physical violence before a person reports domestic abuse. The time spent in the emergency department may be the only time these people might have away from their abusive environment and to seek help. Rather than waiting for the 35th presentation, asking a screening question might change a person’s life in a positive manner.
What should I do if someone discloses domestic abuse?
Believe them (even if the history makes no sense). Maintain a non-emotional body language. Be reassuring ‘You are not alone & it is not your fault’. Listen with out interruption. Get senior help (ED Registrar / Consultant / CNM) early. Follow Emergency Department Domestic Violence Pathway.
What should I do if there are children involved?
Firstly ascertain if there is an immediate risk to the welfare of the child / children or if they are somewhere safe. If you are uncertain if there is an immediate risk to a child escalate to a senior colleague and the CNM2 in charge immediately. Follow the child protection algorithm.
Available Services
Below are the contact details for a number of different services available to people experiencing domestic abuse
Services for women
Dublin
Women’s Aid 1800 341 900 - Freephone helpline
Saoirse Womens Refuge 01 463 0000
Sonas Domestic Violence Support Service and Refuge 01 866 2015
Inchicore Outreach Centre for Support and Advice 01 454 5239 - 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Aoibhneas Support Service and Refuge 01 867 0701
Kildare
Teach Tearmainn Support Service and Refuge 045 527584
Louth
Women’s Aid Dundalk, Support and Refuge 042 933 3244
Drogheda Womens Refuge 041 984 4550
Meath
Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services 046 902 2393
Offaly
Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service 057 935 1886 - 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Wexford
Wexford Women’s Refuge 1800 220 4444
Wicklow
Bray Women’s Refuge and Support Service 01 286 6163
Services for Men
Men’s Network Advice Line 1800 816 588
Men’s Aid Confidential Helpline 01 554 3811 - 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Survivors of Sexual Violence
Rape Crisis Centre 1800 778 888