Local domestic violence service issues urgent fundraising appeal
Roscommon Safe Link, the front-line domestic abuse service for the county, has issued an urgent fundraising appeal.
Roscommon Safe Link, the front-line domestic abuse service for the county, has issued a special seasonal request to individuals, social groups, sports clubs and organisations to organise a fundraising event in support of the charity.
Roscommon Safe Link has been in existence since 2011. It provides services to both women and men who have experienced domestic violence or coercive control.
“The demand for the service has grown hugely over the past four years. Roscommon Safe Link receives government funding but now needs additional funding to ensure its essential services meet current demand,” said a spokesperson.
Speaking at the launch of a new fundraising appeal, the spokesperson explained how important the service had become.
“Our service has been in existence since 2011 but we have seen huge demands in recent years. This year, 2023, has been our busiest year yet. This places huge demands on our service, both in terms of workload for staff and financial needs.”
“The local organisation receives much of its funding through TUSLA and the Department of Justice, however, this is often based on the activities of the previous year. The increasing pressure on the service means there is often a shortfall. Meeting the demands created by this shortfall is an additional burden for Roscommon Safe Link. In addition to this, the charity must maintain its governance standards at the levels demanded by the Charity Regulator.
“Domestic violence is often an unseen problem in society. By its very nature it is secretive. The work of those who support people who experience such violence and control often goes unnoticed,” added the spokesperson.
“Roscommon Safe Link is a non-profit charitable organisation, that offers information, support and counselling to women and men. Our service is available to those who experience domestic violence and to those who have experienced domestic violence and abusive situations in the past. We offer support in crisis and healing in the aftermath.”
The reality of running a domestic violence service in Ireland at present is that frequently an organisation such as Roscommon Safe Link is so busy providing a service that fundraising is an additional burden for overworked staff, the appeal launch heard. This situation has led to the charity’s current appeal for support.
“In some ways, our cause can get forgotten,” the spokesperson continued, “and so we are bringing our work to the attention of the public in this appeal for help. We need the support of our wider community here in Roscommon at this time, and indeed into the future.”
Those who would like to help are asked to contact Roscommon Safe Link in advance of organising a fundraising event. All necessary help and advice will be provided to ensure the event will be a success. Contact 0719664200 or info@roscommonsafelink.ie. Individual donations can also be made online through the charity’s website: https://www.idonate.ie/advanced-donation-form/RSL
