This Isn’t Abuse… Is it?
Does your partner humiliate you with verbal abuse and put-downs? Do you have to account for the money you spend? Does your partner control what you do, where you go, who you see?
If a woman can answer yes to even one of these questions, she could be in an abusive situation, according to COPE Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service.
Today, on International Human Rights Day, and the culmination of the “16 Days of Action” campaign (November 25-December 10), COPE Galway has launched their Relationship Checklist Poster, which contains some vital questions to ask yourself to determine the health of your relationship.
The relationship checklist poster is available from COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service and will be distributed to all public outlets throughout the city and county.
Abuse is not only about violence. It can be about control, intimidation and fear. COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service is open 24/7 and offers support and guidance at every stage.
Dr Carol Baumann, Head of Domestic Abuse at COPE Galway advises, “If you examine your relationship and see that things are not ok then call us on 091 56 59 85. You don’t need to give your name, we won’t ask too many questions and we won’t tell you what to do. You are in control. We will answer your questions and help you work out what you want to do, what you need to do and what you can do”.
All abuse starts with control– your world is made smaller, your supports slip away – you don’t see your friends or family as much as you used to. It can take the form of emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or physical abuse. For too many women we know – our daughters, our sisters, our friends – this is their experience. Every day. None of it is ok – all of it is a crime.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or is affected by any of the issues mentioned above phone COPE Galway Domestic Abuse free and confidential service at 091 565 985 (24h).
When you’re ready to talk we’re ready to listen.
Gillian called COPE Galway for help – you can do this too. Read “Gillian’s Journey” – www.copegalway.ie/16Days.
Contact Dr Carol Baumann, Manager, COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service, Modh Eile House
Phone (091) 39 48 80 | Email modheile@copegalway.ie
COPE Galway Background Information
COPE Galway is a local Galway organisation whose vision is for a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life. COPE Galway understands, respects and responds to the needs of people who struggle with the challenges of homelessness and domestic abuse and supports older people towards healthy and active ageing.
In 2019, COPE Galway worked with 2,984 vulnerable people in Galway. This included 1,189 adults and 433 children affected by homelessness, (187 families and 868 single people). They also worked with 638 individual women and their children who were experiencing Domestic Abuse, produced and delivered 61,016 meals to older clients and to their services around Galway and worked with 724 older people at risk of isolation. The organisation also supported 2,938 individuals with food from the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD) Programme and distributed over 700 school kits.
COPE Galway’s new strategy for 2020-2025 focuses the organisation on its mission: Making a difference by empowering people, creating change and strengthening communities. COPE Galway places its values – rights, respect, hope, community, safety and professionalism – at the heart of its work in the community.