Cork domestic violence charity reports rise in demand for its services

Cork-based domestic violence charity Mná Feasa has reported an 8% increase in interventions this year.

At a launch event for the organisations’ new visual rebrand, the Gurranabraher-based charity, which provides essential services for women and families, said they have seen 165 women seeking support for the first time in 2024 alone.

In response to the escalating demand and the urgent need to make its services more accessible and prominent in the Cork community, the new visual rebrand aims to reflect its expanded role and strengthened commitment to supporting women in crisis.

Speaking to The Echo, team leader with Mná Feasa, Barbara O’Driscoll, said: “The rebrand, for women in Cork, means that we want it to become more visible in the community and the wider community — we’re here to support everyone. 

"We hope to give more women the confidence to know that help is here, and they’re not alone — we’ve had a spike in service use, we have made 1,570 interventions this year alone, and that includes the helpline, the 1:1 service, and the court accompaniment service.

“The increase, I think, is down to women just coming forward, we’re trying to remove the stigma, and they’re coming out more, speaking out more, and having their voices heard, which is very powerful.”

Invaluable

Ms O’Driscoll further highlighted how corporate sponsorship has been invaluable to the charity.

“We urgently need more businesses to step up and join us in this mission to ensure every woman in need can find safety and support,” she added.

Along with a new logo, the charity will be releasing an updated website, offering a more user-friendly experience, making it simpler for women and families to find the support they need.

The rebrand was designed by Global Creative, Johnson Controls’ in-house creative team.

The charity also recently expanded its programming by adding a weekly support group and, in collaboration with pro bono family law solicitors, launched its first free legal advice clinic.

For more information on Mná Feasa services, see : https://mnafeasa.com.