Louth

Women’s Aid Dundalk

County: Louth
Tel: 042 933 3245
Helpline: 042 9333244
Fax: 042 9328663
Email: info@womensaiddlk.net
Website: http://www.womensaiddundalk.net
Access Hours: 24 hour service, open 365 days

Philosophy of Women’s Aid Dundalk

Women’s Aid is an Organisation which believes in the basic right of women abused by men to refuge which is available to them on an open-door basis. It is a caring organisation functioning as a Support Group which provides a nurturing atmosphere for all involved. It enables personal growth and development through mutual aid and self help.

The organisation recognises the inherent strength of women and their right and ability to take control of their own lives. This belief is an underlying principle guiding the organisation in all its activities. We see the women as the backbone of the organisation and seek to provide an atmosphere which will enable them to reclaim their self-confidence and assurance and realise their own potential. The organisation offers on-going support for women who look to it for assistance in their lives and encourages them to support others.

Women’s Aid is an organisation which plays an integral role in society. We see ourselves as having a responsibility to educate ourselves and society in increasing the level of public awareness and understanding of the problems facing women and their children who are being abused by men. In order to achieve this we must act as a Pressure Group for social and legislative change in a society where this violence is not acknowledged.

Mission Statement:

Women’s Aid Dundalk seeks to work towards the elimination of violence against women and their children in their own homes. Such violence occurs due to women’s unequal position in society, and is a violation of women’s human rights. The guiding principles of Women’s Aid Dundalk are that the organisation is non-sectarian and non-racist regardless of class, creed, sexual orientation or physical ability.

Our stated values include:

• Feminist approach and philosophy informing practice
• Respect for the individual
• Human Rights protection
• Freedom of expression
• Mutual aid and self help approach
• Non-judgmental service provision
• Recognising power inequalities in society

A true strength of Women’s Aid Dundalk is that regardless of status that there is a shared compassion and concern for one another at the centre of the expertise in the organisation and this is inherent in the service that it provides.

Aims:

• To provide safe, secure and acceptable accommodation for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence
• To provide an ongoing support network to these women and children

Services Provided:

• Emergency Accommodation/24 hour Refuge
• Information
• Emotional Supports
• Safety Supports
• Practical Supports
• Child Related Supports
• Court and Other Accompaniment
• Advocacy
• Counselling and Referral
• Aftercare
• Outreach Services
• 24 Hour Helpline
• Transitional Housing
• Children Services
• Education and Training