Offaly charities welcome funding for victims of crime

Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services and Accessible Counselling Tullamore have welcomed funding totalling €5.25 million announced by Minister Simon Harris to support victims of crime.

Co-founder of Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT), Lisa Guing said: “We are delighted and thankful to have been awarded this grant from the Department of Justice, which will enable ACT to continue offering professional counselling / psychotherapy to victims of crime.”

ACT has been granted €21,000 in funding to expand their services.

“ACT provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their issues with a qualified counsellor / psychotherapist. Sessions are offered to clients on a weekly basis. We aim to offer an assessment within a week of contact, ensuring clients deal with their issues promptly in a supportive environment.”

Clients who are over 16 years of age are offered counselling in ACT. ACT provide their services to victims of all crimes including but not limited to physical, emotional abuse, coercive control, sexual assault, rape, fraud, online fraud, muggings, assault, theft, burglary and road traffic incidents.

Counsellors are fully qualified and follow the IACP (Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) code of ethics.

Clients can make an appointment by calling ACT on 057 9352879.

CEO of Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services, (ODVSS) Anne Clarke also welcomed the funding and said: “We welcome that continued support and recognition of need for our services. We're very grateful.”

ODVSS has received €49,350 in funding as part of this initiative. Ms Clarke added that the funding was a continuation of funding support that they have been receiving from the government for the past five years and that during Covid a sigificant increase in need for services was identified.

“We provide one-to-one support for any clients going to court. Clients receive support before, during and after going to court. We could be all day waiting with the person (in court.”)

According to Ms Clarke, one of their clients could have five to ten interactions with the court in their lifespan. ODVSS also support clients with domestic violence orders, separation and divorce.

The Offaly organisation celebrated their 25th anniversary last year and have been evolving their services since then. They have a private room in court and can provide suitable assistance with remote court proceedings also.

They also facilitate court paper work. Ms Clarke explained: “This support is a lifesaver for them. They can talk to a specialist if they decide to go with the court order.”

The CEO of ODVSS said that it was priceless to see a woman come in really vulnerable and to be able to gain confidence and recognise abuse after receiving support from them. They also support men through that process.

Those seeking support should contact Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services' helpline on 057 9351886 or their text support helpline on 086 0418154.