700 women and children seek Galway domestic violence support services

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Almost 400 women and over 270 children were supported through COPE Galway’s domestic violence services last year.
The group has published its annual report today which shows that almost 13 hundred calls were also received at the refuge and outreach services.
The report states that a lack of suitable accommodation means women are often forced to stay longer in the shelter.
This has placed additional demand on the refuge where 215 women and 359 children could not be accommodated in 2013.
COPE Galway also provided almost 350 people with emergency accommodation last year at Fairgreen Hostel for men and at Osterly Lodge for women and children.
Jackie Horan is CEO of COPE Galway and she told Galway Talks that a shortage of accommodation at the women’s refuge proved to be a major challenge in 2013.