Our 2022 Annual Report highlights the growing need for our services in Meath. The full report is available here.

Last year Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services supported 539 women and 131 children across the county
who experienced domestic violence and abuse, reflecting an 11% increase in refuge accommodation provision. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, launched our 2022 Annual Report highlighting the significant demand for services across the county.

While supports have increased, further action is need to ensure no woman or child is left behind or isolated according to Sinead Smith, CEO, Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services. “Last year marked a record level of women and children accessing our services and we continue to see more and more survivors of domestic violence coming forward looking for support. An increase in core funding from Tusla Family and Child Agency has enabled us to reach more families but the needs are higher than what we can provide. We were still unable to accommodate 300 women and 184 children who needed emergency accommodation last year due to a lack of space and we welcome the commitment to build a new badly needed 12-unit refuge in Navan by 2025. Meath is now the second fastest growing county in Ireland with a population increase of 12.9% over the past six years – we need to continue to scale up to make sure we can meet the needs of every woman and child at risk of violence.”

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, speaking at the launch said, “Last year we published our Zero Tolerance plan, the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender based violence. As Minister for Justice, I am absolutely focussed on the implementation of the plan to improve services for victims and tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence in Meath and across the country. This strategy gives renewed focus and direction on how the State will tackle what is a huge societal issue over the next five years. We will continue to prioritise increased domestic violence services and more refuge spaces in Meath, and across the country.”

Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services also highlighted the significant impact of donations and fundraising last year. 164 women were able to participate in counselling programmes in 2022 which were funded through donations and grants. “The reality is that donations are still critical every year to run our refuge and services building in Navan. The generosity we receive across Meath is vital and we would like to sincerely thank each and every person that supports us.” added Sinead Smith, CEO, Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services.

2022. Our year in numbers.
– provided emergency refuge accommodation to 57 women and 74 children, an 11% increase for 2022.
– supported 131 children with trauma recovery, an increase of 42% in 2022.
– supported 482 women across Meath with advice, counselling and support programmes,
– an increase of 6% for 2022.
– increased its emergency helpline support by 6% on the previous year.

Read the full report here.

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