Who they are  

Saoirse Domestic Violence Services are a not for profit organisation who support women and children experiencing Domestic Violence and Abuse.  

Our Mission is to provide safe, supportive and confidential services for women and children experiencing domestic violence. 

Our vision is to reach and support an ever increasing number of families in Irish Society, who deserve respect, dignity, safety and freedom from domestic violence. Through our team of professional, caring and committed people our primary focus remains our commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations and the services we offer to our clients and the community. 

Why they started   

In 1994 Tallaght Welfare Society became aware of the increase in the number of inquiries to their information service on issues relating to domestic violence. The organisation brought together a number of community workers and local people to form a steering committee to look at the apparent gap in service provision (Tallaght Women’s Refuge Initiative). In 1996, the voluntary committee set up a company limited by guarantee to continue the aims of the group and South West Women’s Refuge Co. Ltd was born.  In 2004, South West Women’s Refuge was reborn as Saoirse Housing Association Ltd, which was affiliated with the Irish Council for Social Housing. 

After 12 tireless years of campaigning, we attained our goal of opening a Domestic Violence Refuge in Tallaght in 2006, for women and children escaping violence in the home. This campaign was lead and won by our founding member, Pam O’Connor, who gave a voice to women living in fear and danger. South Dublin County Council provided the building to adapt as a safe, secure refuge and our core operational funding is provided by the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence department of Tusla, The Child and Family Agency. 

What they do 

Some of the services we provide include: 

24/7 Phone Helpline on 01 463 0000 

A listening ear, providing support, information and referral service. 

Refuge Accommodation 

Offering safe, confidential, short term crisis accommodation for women and their children in our two refuges  

Outreach and Prevention Services 

Providing support to families in the community covering Dublin 10, 12, 22, 24, South West Dublin and West Wicklow 

Court Accompaniment Services 

Providing support navigating the legal systems, and seeking legal protections 

Childcare Support Services 

Providing safe, non-judgemental play space in refuge where children have a voice. 

Training and awareness raising 

Providing training for professionals of all walks of life to recognise and respond to Domestic Violence & Abuse. 

What are they are doing in marathon  

SDVS are calling out for champions to support them this June by fundraising and taking part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon 2023. 

SDVS rely heavily on the generosity of fundraisers throughout the year, and we would love you to consider supporting us if you are taking part. Your donations allow us to continue supporting families experiencing domestic violence and abuse, changing their lives. 
 
Please contact our fundraising officer Aisling for more information by email (aisling.finn@sdvs.ie)