Today Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services launched it’s 2023 Annual Report, detailing a 41% increase in women and children staying in refuge in compared to the previous year. A total of 185 women and children leaving situations of domestic violence stayed in refuge and a further 492 women were supported in the community. Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services’ 24-hour helpline took 1,122 calls for help.  

Frances Haworth has been announced today as the new CEO of Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Service. Frances takes up the mantle from outgoing CEO Sinead Smith, who has dedicated the past eight years to growing the organisation to meet the needs of women and children across the county.

Commenting on the launch of Annual Report, Frances Haworth, CEO says:

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“Domestic violence is a widespread and entrenched problem with 1 in 4 women affected during their lifetime. Our homes should be our safe space, yet we know the levels of domestic violence in Ireland are high with An Garda Síochána receiving an average of 147 calls for help a day. In Meath, we provided refuge to more families than ever before last year, yet we were still unable to accommodate 293 women due to a lack of space

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“As society is becoming more aware of sexual, domestic and gender-based violence, we are seeing an increase in women looking for help which is to be welcomed. Into the future, it is vital that we look at education and empowering the community to respond and help prevent domestic violence. This is a whole of society problem that needs a whole of society response.”

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Sinead Gogan, Chairperson, Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services said:

“In the last year we have made real inroads in addressing the acute needs of women and children who experience domestic violence; however we recognise that we have more work to do to achieve this goal. Our ambition to do more will be realised through continued investment and we very much welcome and look forward to working in partnership with the new state agency for Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence - Cuan towards creating a safer country for women and children.

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“I am delighted today to welcome Frances Haworth incoming CEO and to thank Sinead for who has been an exemplary leader for the organisation. Sinead’s commitment and personal dedication to her work and ultimately to women and children in Meath has been extraordinary. The Board extends to her every best wish for the future and thanks her for giving time to supporting the transition also. Frances is an experienced senior leader who joined the organisation two years ago, having previously facilitated growth at a range of non-profits including Community Foundation Ireland and Trócaire. I look forward to the next stage of development as we maintain momentum towards the long-term goal of zero tolerance.”

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Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services also highlighted the significant impact of donations and fundraising last year. “Through fundraising and grants we provided 540 counselling sessions and 66 sessions of play therapy to women and children. The reality is that donations are still critical every year to run our refuge and services building in Navan. The generosity we receive from families, businesses and communities, across Meath each year is vital.”  added Frances Haworth, CEO, Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services.

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The full Annual Report 2023 is available to view at: www.dvservicesmeath.ie/aboutus

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Key Numbers from 2023

● 185 women and children provided with emergency refuge accommodation; a 41% increase on the previous year.  

● 492 women and 36 children supported in the community across Meath

● 392 court accompaniments in Navan and Trim; an 81% increase in our court supports provision.

● 1,122 helpline calls (average of 22 per week).

● 93 women attended 540 sessions of counselling and we provided 66 hours of play therapy.

● 48 women attended support and education group programmes.

● We participated in 29 talks in the community reaching 1,900 people and reached 200,000 people on social media.

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