1)Unmet needs

Interviews with service providers who deal with domestic violence were
carried out in order to explore recent developments and changes to how
domestic violence is being handled and to help identify current gaps where
women's needs are not being met. The service providers included statutory
and voluntary services and additionally, one community-based group.

Despite efforts to prioritise Domestic Violence and to streamline responses
to it, community-care and social work staff pointed to three factors that are
still contributing to the lack of take-up of official services:

• The lack of publicity in Ireland about Violence in the Home;
• The stigma that is attached to the women who discloses;
• The still too common belief that violence is acceptable and believed.

Initial support work for women, often of a practical kind, like information on
legal services, or even the provision of a supportive atmosphere where women
could gain back some confidence in themselves was an important element that
voluntary and community groups could contribute. This kind of work links in
the reported need by women in Aoibhneas refuge to be listened to, accepted
and believed.

Service providers identified as a welcome development the broader awareness
of what constitutes Domestic Violence as measured by the increased number
of referrals from, and involvement by the Gardai, including responses to emotional
abuse.

Providers urged the following as priorities:

• Greater public awareness;
• Standardised guidelines and protocols for agencies dealing with
  Domestic Violence;
• Further development and funding of multi-agency initiatives;
• Co-ordination of specialised services women and children require;
• A more broadly-based Domestic Violence Act and far better court
  services;
• Tougher sanctions against offenders;
• Immediate attention to gaps in policy responses;
• Immediate attention to the acute shortage of suitable alternative
  accommodation for women forced to flee their homes;
• Greater capital investment into ongoing support services for children;
• Full implementation of guidelines on child protection;
• Locally accessible outreach centre for women.