The Donegal Domestic Violence Service says its ‘Safe Bonds’ programme has been a success, allowing mothers and children to heal and reconnect.
Safe Bonds is a programme for mothers and children who have experienced domestic abuse, with the intention of providing supportive activities designed to promote family relationships.
Fiona Jordan is the service’s interim manager.
She says many families who access Donegal Domestic Violence Services have lived through prolonged trauma, coercive control, financial abuse and isolation, and ‘Safe Bonds’ provides a significant opportunity to access positive family experiences that support recovery………………
Release in full –
“We Never Thought These Days Were Possible Again” – Donegal Domestic Abuse Families Celebrate Life Changing Days with Safe Bonds Programme.
Women and children affected by domestic abuse across Donegal are being given opportunities to heal, reconnect and create memories they once thought were out of reach, thanks to the inspiring work of Donegal Domestic Violence Services and its Safe Bonds Programme.
Safe Bonds is a trauma informed programme delivered by Donegal Domestic Violence Services for mothers and children who have experienced domestic abuse and are currently engaging with the service. The programme provides a range of supportive activities designed to promote healing, wellbeing and stronger family relationships.
The programme has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from families who have taken part, with mothers sharing how grateful and delighted they are to have access to such a vital service. For many families, these outings have provided something they had been missing for a long time, the chance to enjoy safe, happy and carefree experiences together.
Many families who access Donegal Domestic Violence Services have lived through prolonged trauma, coercive control, financial abuse and isolation. These experiences can have a lasting impact, often preventing women and children from accessing everyday opportunities and positive family experiences that support recovery.
Through the Safe Bonds Programme, families are supported to take part in activities that many never imagined possible after their experiences of domestic abuse. With bus loads of women and children travelling on each trip, the programme has become a much needed source of connection, joy and encouragement for these families throughout Donegal.
From fun filled days out to therapeutic and creative activities, the programme offers women and children the opportunity to relax, build confidence and spend quality time together in a safe and supportive environment. Families have already enjoyed trips to Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park), the Dunlewey Centre, and a range of other planned summer activities, with more positive experiences ahead.
Donegal Domestic Violence Services ensures that cost is never a barrier to participation. All expenses associated with the programme, including transport, admission fees, activities and lunch, are covered, allowing families to fully enjoy the experience without financial worry.
The Safe Bonds Programme includes outdoor family experiences, arts and creative workshops, wellbeing activities, therapeutic play sessions and social outings. Each activity is carefully designed to strengthen the bond between mothers and children while supporting recovery from trauma and helping families rebuild healthy, nurturing relationships.
Interim Assistant Manager of Donegal Domestic Violence Services, Fiona Jordan, said the response from families taking part has been truly heartwarming. “The feedback from the women and children involved in Safe Bonds has been incredible. Families have told us how much these experiences mean to them and how grateful they are to have access to a programme like this. For some mothers and children, these are experiences they never thought would be possible again after what they have been through.
“Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on women and children, often leaving families feeling isolated and unable to access opportunities that others may take for granted. Safe Bonds gives families the chance to reconnect, have fun, create happy memories and experience a sense of normality in a safe and supportive setting.
“Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces and hearing mothers say how much these days mean to them reminds us why this programme is so important. Every family deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued and supported.”
Donegal Domestic Violence Services provides a range of essential supports for women and families affected by domestic abuse across Donegal, including confidential support, information, advocacy, safety planning, emotional support, practical assistance, safe housing and services for children impacted by domestic abuse.
As frontline domestic, sexual and gender based violence services across Donegal, both Donegal Domestic Violence Services and The Donegal Women’s Centre support women at every step of their journey, providing confidential, trauma informed support, psychotherapy services, counselling services along with therapeutic supports and programmes that helps women explore and work through emotional, psychological, and trauma related difficulties. Both services are committed to supporting women, supporting recovery and helping those affected by domestic abuse to rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence and hope.
The Safe Bonds Programme is a powerful example of how specialist domestic abuse services can help families move beyond survival and towards recovery, confidence and hope.
Thanks to the dedication of the team, including staff member at Donegal Domestic Violence Services, Cathy Dill, Domestic Violence Outreach Worker, who has been leading the coordination of the programme and organising the activities. Women and children across Donegal are being given something truly precious, the opportunity to experience happiness, connection and moments they will remember for years to come.
Donegal Domestic Violence Services (DDVS) would like to thank their funders who have made the Safe Bonds Programme possible for women and children across County Donegal. A massive thank you to Community Foundation Ireland and the Children and Young People’s Services Committee, Co. Donegal, for their valued support and commitment to helping families heal, reconnect and create positive memories together.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MAY BE SUFFERING DOMESTIC, SEXUAL OR GENDER BASED VIOLENCE CALL OUR 24 HOUR FREEPHONE NUMBER ON 1800 262 677.
Photo Caption: Cathy Dill, Domestic Violence Outreach Worker and Fiona Jordan, Interim Assistant Manager, Donegal Domestic Violence Services – DDVS.
