ANU WICKLOW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORTS
Our outreach team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Call 086 059 7560.
We provide one-to-one and court support for women who have been subjected to domestic abuse, workshops and training.
Bray womenS refuge
Our helpline is available 24 /7.
Call 01 286 6163.
We provide emergency accommodation, advocacy and support for women and children escaping domestic abuse.
Gardai
If you are in immediate danger, contact the Gardai directly.
Call 999 or 112.
About us
Outreach services
Anu Wicklow Domestic Violence Supports
Recognising something has to change is the first step.
We offer a comprehensive range of supports and opportunities to ensure you receive accurate information about domestic violence, abuse and coercive control.
- We offer support to empower you to make informed and rational decisions about what’s best for you, your children and your future.
- We will support you as you consider what is best for you.
- We will continue to support you on your journey to a safer and happier life.
Our team are highly qualified and vastly experienced in supporting survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Right from your initial contact, we will provide you with non-judgemental and confidential support. We can build a community of resources around you and will consult you every step of the way.
All supports provided by Anu are free of charge and available for adults residing in County Wicklow.
Our aim is to inform, support, accompany and educate to reduce domestic violence, abuse and coercive control in County Wicklow.
If you are in an abusive relationship or are experiencing violence at home that’s negatively impacting you and any children or others in the home, you are not alone.
Call Anu Wicklow for Outreach Services, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
emergency accommodation
Bray Women’s Refuge
Bray Women’s refuge is a safe and confidential place where women and their children can stay while escaping domestic abuse. It’s more than just a roof over your head, it’s a space where you can begin to feel safe, supported, and heard.
At our refuge, you will have:
- A private bedroom (some may have en-suite or shared bathrooms).
- Access to a shared kitchen, living room, and laundry facilities.
- A peaceful, respectful environment.
- Support from trained staff who understand trauma and abuse
- Time and space to decide what to do next.
What support will you get?
While you’re in refuge, our staff can support you with
- Emotional support and listening space
- Safety planning
- Help accessing financial, housing and legal supports
- Referrals to counseling or outreach services.
- Parenting support and help with children’s emotional needs
Respect, Privacy, and Empowerment
We know how hard it can be to leave. Coming to refuge can be scary, especially after being isolated or controlled. Our team understands this. We will never pressure you to talk or to make decisions before you’re ready. You are always in control of your journey.
Need a Safe Place? If you’re in danger or unsure what to do next, you can contact our helpline to talk it through. If refuge feels right for you, we will guide you through the next steps, safely and confidentially.
Call Bray Women’s Refuge, available 24/7.
Our Services
Outreach
We meet with women all over County Wicklow to help them consider their options. Safety is always our top priority. We provide emotional support, advocacy with housing and court support around obtaining domestic abuse orders.
Bray Women’s Refuge
Our refuge provides emergency accommodation for women and children escaping domestic abuse, plus advocacy and court support.
Court Support
We meet with women before court to help them prepare their documents both at Bray and Arklow Court Houses. We also provide court accompaniment.
Helpline
We offer one-to-one support to women who are experiencing domestic abuse, both in person at various locations all over County Wicklow and over the phone.
Youth Outreach
Our Youth Outreach Support Worker provides one-to-one support to young people and facilitates interactive and engaging workshops at schools and youthgroups.
Training / Workshops
We work with organisations and their employees to increase awareness of domestic abuse.
Understanding Domestic Abuse
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, threatening, and violent behaviors that one person uses to gain and maintain power over another in a relationship.
Types of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms. While physical abuse may be the easiest to recognise, there is also sexual, verbal, emotional, financial and digital abuse. An abuser may try to use aspects of all of these. Usually abuse escalates over time.
Impact on Women and Children
Domestic abuse can have serious physical, emotional and psychological effects on women. Even if children are not directly being subjected to the abuse themselves, they’re almost always aware that it is happening. This in itself is abuse.
OuR Support Services
We offer various supports available to help women who are being subjected to domestic abuse consider their options. We offer one-to-one support and court accompaniment, and can also help you apply for housing, legal aid and various court orders.
Creating Awareness
Throughout the year, we run school and youth group workshops with the aim of reducing the number of young people who become subject to domestic abuse. We discuss healthy relationships, the red flags of abusive relationships and issues around consent.
Client testimonials
Client
on Court Support from Anu
“My court support worker was consistent. She was hugely knowledgeable about the court process and court proceedings and able to acknowledge the shortfalls of these at the same time.”
Client
on staying in Bray Women’s Refuge
“I honestly don’t know where I’d be without Bray Women’s Refuge.”
Client
on working with her Support Worker
“There are no words to say how hopeless I felt. My outreach support worker was fantastic and so was the court accompaniment I received. I’ll be grateful forever.””
Teacher
after a “Healthy Relationships” School Workshop
“I think your workshop may have been the most important thing they learned all year!”
Client
on the Outreach Team
““Helpful, professional, private, trustworthy, safe. Amazing ladies to work with, so supportive and easy to talk to.”.”
Client
on completing an Own My Life Workshop
“This course was a hugely positive experience. It was informative and eye-opening. It helped me recognise the abuse I had been through. I felt safe with the group. We are a sisterhood!”
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Our team
Hayley Murphy
Manager, Anu Wicklow
Anne-Marie McMurrow
Manager, Bray Women’s Refuge
Elaine Byrne
Court Support, Anu Wicklow
Siobhan O’Sullivan
Outreach Worker, Anu Wicklow
Sam O’Donoghue
Outreach Worker, Anu Wicklow
Annie Doyle
Bray Women’s Refuge
Aisling Grimes
Bray Women’s Refuge
Lizzie Sherwood-Smith
Youth Outreach, Anu Wicklow
Rachel Murphy
Outreach Worker, Anu Wicklow
Martine Reynolds
Panel Worker, Bray Women’s Refuge
Ciara Naughton
Bray Women’s Refuge
Denise Mullery
Bray Women’s Refu