You are at: Domestic Violence >>> What To Do If You Are Being Abused:

Seek Help 

Talk to someone about your situation a family member, friend or doctor. They can support and to some degree protect you. Telephone or drop in to your local information and support service. If your husband or partner has beaten you, he is likely to beat you again. Even though you may be afraid, you should begin to prepare now in case of another attack. Remember it is your RIGHT to be SAFE. 

SAFETY PLAN

A safety plan is a series of actions you can take when you feel afraid or threatened. Such a plan, prepared in advance, would maximise safety and prevent panic. You may wish to consider some of the following:

• Having a mobile phone for use in an emergency.
• Call the Gardaí if you have been assaulted or are in fear of an assault. They can advise and guide on the legal aspects of domestic abuse.

• Hiding emergency money, keys and important documents with a friend for easy access in an emergency. These would include marriage certificate and your own and your children’s birth certificates, photographs of previous injuries, your own and your children’s medical cards, RSI number and /or social welfare card, child benefit book, bank / credit union book. Begin to collect these items now so you wont have to return for them.
• Having an answering machine, used to screen calls if abuser begins to harass you by telephone.
• Contact Tearmann Information & Support Service, they can help you prepare for emergencies.

 

DURING AN ATTACK 

If your life is in immediate danger  - Leave 

Your safety and the safety of your children are most important.

If you suspect your husband or partner is going to attack you leave before the attack takes place for your personal safety. Your safety and the safety of your children may depend upon your readiness to act. Call the Gardaí and seek help from a neighbour or friend. 

• During an attack  - Defend and protect yourself
• Call for help. Scream loudly and continuously
• You have nothing to be ashamed of  - the perpetrator does.
• After the attack GET AWAY if you can, and seek medical assistance.
• Tell the medical staff who beat you and have it recorded.
• Remember to get the name of the doctor who treated you.

 

Where can you go?

You can run to a public place where your spouse/partner will be seen.

You can run to neighbours, family or friends.

You may need to access a telephone.

If you feel your children are not safe in the house, you need to take them with you.

You can stay at a refuge. If you think your spouse/partner might look for you it will be safe to stay there.

 

THERE ARE THREE REFUGES IN THE NEHB REGION THAT OFFER SAFE ACCOMMODATION TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN FLEEING DOMESTIC ABUSE ON A 24 HOUR BASIS

 

Meath Women’s Refuge                                                046-9073013

Dundalk Women’s Aid                                                   042-9337202

Drogheda Women and Children’s Centre                         041-9844550

For a comprehensive list of refuges throughout Ireland contact www.nnwrss.ie

 

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Monaghan General Hospital                                047-38800

Cavan General Hospital                                      049-4361399

Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda                            041-9837601

Louth County Hospital Dundalk                           042-9334701

Doc on Call                                                       1850 777 911

Women's Aid                                                     1800 - 341 900

Free phone Help-Line 10 am- 10pm 7 days a week

Women’s Aid Northern Ireland                              048 -9031818

Tearmann Domestic Violence Service                  047- 72311    

Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

 

The Gardaí should be contacted during or immediately after the violence, if you want the person who has assaulted you arrested. The Gardaí can also offer you protection in leaving the house and bring you to a safe place.

 

Evidence

This is very important if you are going to apply to the Courts for a Protection / Barring Order or Safety Order. You can get friends, relatives or a female staff member at the Support Centre to take colour pictures of your injuries. These must be dated and signed by the person who takes them. You will need to save any torn or bloody clothing. If you need medical attention tell the doctor the name of the abuser so you can use the doctor’s report in Court. These are all necessary for a Protection Order while you are waiting to appear in Court for a Barring or Safety Order.

Gardaí 999 Emergency

Mobile Phone Emergency Number 112

 

Monaghan              047-77200    *	Cavan                           049-4331300 *
Ballybay                 042-9741220	Arva                             049-4335302
Carrickmacross        042- 9661222 *	Ballyjamesduff            049-8544102
Castleblaney             042-9740668 *	Ballyconnell                 049-9526102   *
Clones                     047- 51028	Ballinagh                      049-4337102
Clontibret                              047-80773	Bailieboro                     042-9665102   *
Emyvale                047-87222	Belturbet                       049-9522122
Newbliss               047-54002	Cootehill                       049-5552105
Rockcorry           047-974228	Killeshandra                 049- 4334302
Scotstown           047-89202	Kingscourt                    042- 9667292
Shantonagh   042-9745007	Shercock                       042-9669102
Smithborough                   047-57002	Virginia                          049- 8547002

 

* 24-Hour Stations