"If I can help one woman... I'll be doing my job"

Plans for DV refuge and safe houses progress

Bailieborough’s new Traveller Women’s Awareness Worker, who specialises in domestic violence, is encouraging women to reach out for help if they are experiencing domestic abuse.

Missy O’Leary supports women who are experiencing domestic violence, assists them with court services and guides them towards supports and shelters that are available.

Just months into her new role, Missy hasn’t had much experience working directly with cases yet, but says the statistics in relation to domestic abuse are “absolutely shocking”.

An Garda Síochána received nearly 3,500 domestic abuse related calls in the Cavan, Monaghan and Louth Garda Division last year. Nationally gardaí received nearly 67,000 domestic abuse related calls last year, which is up around two per cent on 2024. That figure equates to nearly 1,300 reports every week.

In 2024, Women’s Aid national and regional frontline services were contacted 32,144 times, an increase of 12% on 2023, which were the highest contact rates in the organisation’s 50-year history.

Missy has also seen a “massive demand” for women’s shelters.

“There’s not many services for women or even men experiencing domestic violence. It does happen to both men and women,” she tells the Celt.

Meanwhile, plans to locate a 12-unit domestic violence refuge in Monaghan, which will serve both counties, and to provide safe homes in County Cavan are “going ahead as planned”, according to the CEO of Safe Ireland Mary McDermott.

A meeting will take place tomorrow (Thursday) aimed at progressing both projects. Ms McDermott reported that all stakeholder groups, including Cavan and Monaghan county councils are “working well” together to deliver the accommodation.

Meanwhile, Missy considers domestic violence is a “massive issue” within the travelling community

“Not a lot of people know about it because it’s all swept under the rug and hidden away. Nobody talks about it, but it’s there.”

“It’s in all communities, it’s here, it’s in the country and that’s it.”

The mum of one says it would take “a lot” for a traveller woman to reach out and speak about domestic violence, unless they are “prompted”.

“They’re very scared,” she explains.

Questions such as “where do I go? what do I do?” are often asked and Missy hopes to bridge this gap and show women how they can receive confidential support.

“We’re here, if you need somebody or support in anyway we are here for you to talk to,” she said, adding that accessing supports would be “at their pace” and “fully confidential”.

“If they decide that they do [want to leave] we would bring them and help get a court order or get them talking to Women’s Aid or someone that can provide a shelter or maybe to the council to help them get accommodation - supports like that,” outlined Missy.

While she is still settling into her new role, Missy hasn’t had to deal with many “tough” cases yet but is up for the challenge.

“I’ve always wanted to work with travellers in any capacity at all so, when this role came up, I thought it sounded very interesting.

“If I can help one woman, for me, I’ll be doing my job.”

Born and reared in Bailieborough, a place she loves, Missy is delighted to be able to give back to her home town in her new role. She will be providing her service to traveller women across the county.

Speaking on the volume of calls to An Garda Síochána, a spokesperson told the Celt the “known prevalence” of domestic abuse has risen in recent years.

They said the organisation has “significantly invested” in the training and investigative capabilities of gardaí in these areas. This has seen the establishment of a specialist Protective Services Unit in each Garda Division staffed by highly trained, specialist detectives operating under the guidance provided to them through the Garda Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB).

Since the introduction of coercive control as a standalone offence in 2019, Gardaí have secured 52 prosecutions for this crime, meanwhile the offence of non-fatal strangulation was introduced in November 2023 and there have been 67 prosecutions for this offence, 58 of which relate to domestic abuse.

“If you believe that you are experiencing coercive control and are being subjected to persistent occurrences of controlling and troubling behaviour by your husband, a current or former partner, a boyfriend, please speak with us at any Garda Station either in person or by phone,” the spokesperson told the Celt.

“Every victim is to be assured that, while always encouraged to pursue a complaint, it can be taken at their own pace and in their own time. We are also here to support you and remind you that you have not deserved this treatment.

“If you find yourself in immediate danger, are scared and frightened for your safety or in an emergency always call 999/112,” they advise.

SUPPORTS

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact SAFE Ireland for support on 04772311 or Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900.