West community network launches domestic abuse support guide in multiple languages

THE Community Response to Domestic Abuse Network Western Region, a collaborative group of Family Resource Centres, frontline organisations and partnership companies across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, has launched a crucial resource for women experiencing domestic abuse: the Steps to Safety leaflet.

This informative guide is designed to offer clear steps and essential support for women living with domestic abuse, providing a vital lifeline to those in need.

According to Annie Rozario, coordinator of the Gort Resource Centre and chair of the Community Response to Domestic Abuse Network Western Region: “To effectively address domestic abuse in our communities, it’s vital that appropriate supports are visible and accessible for all women in towns and villages across our region of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.”

The Steps to Safety leaflet offers women practical steps they can take to protect themselves and their children from domestic abuse and coercive control, a crime that many victims may not fully understand or know how to address. It includes information on local support services and explains the actions women can take to enhance their safety.

Recognising the cultural and linguistic diversity in the region, the leaflet is available in several languages, including Irish, English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Pashto and Arabic, with plans to add Swahili. This ensures that the resource can reach as many women as possible.

In celebration of the leaflet’s launch, Elizabeth Peña, from CUAN, the National Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency, and Mary McDermott, CEO of Safe Ireland, attended a workshop at the Menlo Park Hotel. This workshop provided a valuable opportunity for community organisations across the western counties to collaborate with national domestic abuse agencies, in line with Ireland's third National Domestic Abuse Strategy, Zero Tolerance.

Mary McDermott, CEO of Safe Ireland, highlighted the importance of empowering local communities: “Domestic abuse affects every community, every family in some way. Local networks like this one are critical in helping women know they are not alone, that they have options, and that real help is available.

“The Steps to Safety leaflet represents a practical step toward ensuring no woman feels trapped by silence. Collaboration at a grassroots level is key to the success of the Zero Tolerance strategy, and this work shows just how powerful community action can be.”

Elizabeth Pena, from CUAN, underscored the need for accessibility and inclusive resources: “In our work at CUAN, we’ve seen that women from diverse backgrounds often face additional barriers to accessing support. By offering the Steps to Safety leaflet in multiple languages, this network is making an inclusive effort to ensure that help is not only available but accessible to everyone.

“This initiative aligns with the Zero Tolerance strategy's goals of making sure no one is left behind, and every woman, regardless of her language or cultural background, can access the help she needs.”

The Steps to Safety leaflet is a testament to the Domestic Abuse Network’s commitment to supporting women in the western region and ensuring that they have access to clear, practical guidance when they need it most.