Clare Haven Services is open to all women regardless of their ethnicity, race, nationality or cultural background. However, there is an awareness that there may be specific needs and considerations that come with this status. Immediately for those who do not speak English, we have limited access to an interpreter service that can assist in communication either in an outreach capacity, and more limited on the helpline. Similarly, with the advances in technology some of the more immediate and urgent conversations can take place.

For those women that may need to access the refuge there can be discomfort as it is a communal setting with shared spaces and a generic offering, however, all efforts will be made to address concerns and meet specific cultural needs that may arise in this regard.

A woman’s migration status may cause problems for her should she need to leave a domestic abuse situation. Her residency status in Ireland may be on the basis of the relationship so should she choose to leave then she would be making herself undocumented. Her residency might limit her access to social supports such as housing, access to the labour market or finances, therefore if she leaves she has no way to maintain herself and could become destitute. Such fears, particularly if she has children, may compel her to stay in an abusive relationship.

Another fear around children might be that should she be compelled to leave; the abuser may take control of the children or abduct them. A further issue that may arise for the victim is influence/intervention from extended families living abroad, influence from community/religious leaders and belief in witchcraft are influenced by the particular cultural background from which a woman comes within her country of origin. This issue could impact on the pressure she is under and her decision making  www.akidwa.ie  /   www.immigrantcouncil.ie