Roscommon Safe Link reports 13% increase in new clients

Roscommon Safe Link (RSL), a frontline domestic violence and abuse service, has reported a 13% increase in new clients and a 5% increase in continuing clients over the past year, according to its 2024 Annual Report released this week.

The rise reflects a growing awareness of domestic violence issues and the vital services RSL provides to individuals throughout County Roscommon and surrounding areas.

'Support in Crisis, Healing in the Aftermath' remains the organisation’s vision, with 2024 marked by major milestones, including the expansion of outreach clinics, enhanced male engagement, and the foundation of a Safe House and Refuge project.

Chairperson Paul McCarthy praised the tireless efforts of the service's staff, volunteers, and partners. “This report reflects not just rising demand, but our aim to meet people in crisis with compassion, professionalism, and long-term support.

“We are heartened by the 13% increase in new clients and the 5% increase in existing clients as it reflects the growing confidence in men, women and children reaching out for support,” he said.

“This increasing engagement is a positive sign, even as we understand the emotional and practical challenges our clients face when it comes to seeking help.

By sharing these statistics in our annual report today, we hope to encourage anyone experiencing any form of abuse—be it verbal, physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or domestic—to reach out and contact us on (071) 966 4200.” RSL continues to operate from its offices in Boyle, offering a range of services including crisis helplines, counselling, court and Garda accompaniment, support groups, play therapy, and children’s services. The service’s plans for this year include expanding crisis response and outreach services, and advancing the Safe House and Refuge project to the implementation phase. It is also planning to increase male-focused outreach and reduce stigma, and enhance family and children’s services.

Project Manager Anne Carey said this year will be a very busy year for Roscommon Safe Link as it continues to advance its crisis response and outreach service.

“Our main focus for 2025 is to expand our Safe House and Refuge project by securing a partnership with an Approved Housing Body and start a phased rollout of safe accommodation options,” she said.

“We also aim to strengthen support for male clients alongside our services for women, working towards a more gender-balanced approach.

“We will promote greater engagement with families and children to support service growth within Children’s Services by securing the necessary resources to enhance TLC Kidz and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) programmes.” 

For more information, to support their work, or to seek help, please visit www.roscommonsafelink.ie or call (071) 966 4200.