'It really is a big hug' Laois Domestic Abuse Service invites community to reach out

Women living in abusive homes are being urged to contact Laois Domestic Abuse Service (LDAS) to get free “wraparound” supports, or just a listening ear.

The warm and welcoming centre on the Mountrath road in Portlaoise opened its doors last Friday morning with balloons and breakfast, in the first of a new era of open mornings, to get the word out to the community of the help they give.

They welcomed community groups, businesses and organisations to tell them that they can refer women seeking help. LDAS gives confidential and free counselling, legal advice and supports to aid women and children subjected to domestic abuse and coercive control.

The open day was the idea of community support worker Rona Curtis.

“I think people don’t realise we’re here. Services can refer people to us, this day is for the whole community, to raise awareness that we exist,” she said.

Nicola Phelan is the resident legal/criminal justice co-ordinator.

“I am often asked at the end of a session ‘how much do I owe’, there’s no charge, though some make a donation. I provide information, advice and advocacy to women in relation to the legal and criminal justice system. Most women are referred to me by Laois Gardaí. I walk side by side with them from the start to the end of the legal process,” she explained.

Claire Boland is the counsellor and psychotherapist.

“Our clients come in, they see a case worker, then they go on to do one of our courses, like ‘Own my Life’ about surviving domestic abuse. If they are distressed, they progress to me for counselling. Most, nearly all are very traumatised. I use therapies to help them to rebuild their confidence, then they go on to absolutely shine, they find themselves again, and it’s wonderful.

“You realise how resilient women are, they don’t know it coming in the door, but they do by the time they are leaving, and they are always welcome to come back. It’s a wraparound service, it really is a big hug,” she said.

Marna Carroll leads LDAS, which currently helps between 550 and 650 families in a year. She thanks all the local businesses who sponsored food for the open morning.

“It’s been very busy today, we invited professionals all across the county, businesses, politicians, creches, playschools, schools, the HSE, TUSLA, everybody based in Laois,” she said.

The service has eight staff, and is hiring two more.

“We’ve built more capacity, we also now have expertise in intimate partner sexual violence. We go into schools and deliver education programmes about online harms, what are unhealthy relationships, toxic behaviours. So that people aren’t so scared of talking about these things, and if someone discloses to them, they will know want to do, because it’s a community problem,” she said.

The centre is warm and cosily furnished with low lighting, soft seating and toys.

Across the road their big project is waiting, the beautiful Georgian house that Laois County Council bought for LDAS.

A 10 unit Laois family refuge will be built in the garden, with a high level of security, so that families will be safe and closer to their own communities and schools.

“We have families staying in refuges in Mayo, in Bray. Our refuge is desperately needed. We have partnered with Tuath housing agency which is spearheading it with the CUAN government agency. Preliminary drawings are ready and I hope it will really escalate from here.

“Pressure on housing is not improving, it’s more intense. The cost of living crisis makes it harder for families to be in refuges in other counties, driving kids back to school.

“But at any one time it will have 10 families, that leaves 540 to 640 more so our services here are every bit as important, we have to be prioritised and resourced,” the service director said.

Jackie Carroll was there from Laois Chamber Alliance.

“Thanks to Purple Hand training, we now know what to do if someone comes to a business and discloses that they need help. LDAS deliver this training free to businesses and communities,” she said.

The centre holds outreach clinics in Rathdowney and Portarlington, and will meet a woman anywhere that is safe to talk.

Ring Laois Domestic Abuse Service on 057 8671100​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ during office hours to make an appointment. Their website is @laoisdomesticabuseservice.ie