Battered and emotionally bruised women turned away from Co Kildare refuge due to lack of space

Co Kildare women who have been beaten by the men in their lives are being turned away from the only refuge in the county, due to lack of space.

Manager of Teach Tearmainn, in Newbridge, Jacinta Carey, is appealing for a Minister of Domestic Violence to deal with the growing epidemic of violence against women.

Ms Carey is calling for stronger laws to deal with abusive men who are leaving women and children homeless.

Teach Tearmainn provides accommodation for four women and their children. Mainly the service offers support services and crisis care, including counselling.

Ms Carey said: "We have turned women away because we are full. They are referred to local authorities and there is a possibility that the women go back into an unsafe situation. We help about 200 Co Kildare women annually, every day we get a call."

There are women of all ages and backgrounds seeking help.

Ms Carey said: "We had a woman who at the age of 72 sought help for the first time. Every abuse is emotional abuse, the bruises heal but the emotional abuse stays. There is a pattern of behaviour, it is about controlling another person. The physical abuse doesn't start first, it is the most misunderstood and under-reported crime. The law is not strong enough. We need to say that this is unacceptable and teach our children about healthy relationships. The women and children have to leave their homes, there needs to be a look at this."

Meanwhile, Women's Aid, operating for the past 40 years, has established its first 24 hour helpline. Since the 24 hour helpline started in January, the organisation is reporting an unanticipated high level of calls.

Helpline Co-ordinator, Linda Smith said: "Some women may have money and some may have no access to money. Our priority is to get women linked in with a service. We would urge women to talk about the experience, not to live in isolation, reach out to family and friends. The helpline is an ongoing resource. Women are often told by the abuser that they are imagining it. We support the women and offer them a non judgemental space. We know it is hard for women to leave. The majority of calls are from Irish women."

The Women's Aid Helpline is 1800 341 900.

Just some warning signs that the man is an abuser