Family law is a complex and evolving field that reflects the changing morals and values of society. In this podcast episode, Caoimhe Kiernan, a Law Lecturer from TU Dublin, shared valuable insights into family law, gender equality, and the importance of access to legal resources. This is Part 1 to a number of episodes with Caoimhe.Caoimhe has very kindly provided an outline of support services and areas to seek assistance if you are experiencing any of the issues we discussed in our podcast interview. You'll find all of this information outlined below.

Support services:

• If you are concerned about domestic violence or abuse in your home, you should contact your local Garda station. If you feel in immediate danger, call 112 or 999.
• Women's Aid: Women’s Aid provide free and confidential support to women experiencing domestic violence, family and friends, and professionals supporting victims of abuse. Supports available include:
• National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Telephone Interpretation Service on 1800 341 900 available 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week
• An online chat service available 7 nights a week, 7pm – 10pm at womensaid.ie. Also Monday to Friday, 10am – 1pm and Saturday, 12pm – 3pm and Sunday, 11am – 1pm.
• Text service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing women available 7 days a week on 087 959 7980
• A drop-in service is available in Dolphin House Family Law Court in Dublin, Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm - 4.30pm.
• Rape Crisis Centres: The National Sexual Violence Helpline (also known as the National Rape Crisis Helpline) offers a free, confidential listening and support service for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Advice and referral to other services will also be provided. Support is available in more than 240 languages through the helpline interpreting service.
• National Sexual Violence Helpline: 1800 778 888, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Helpline interpreting service: 1800 778 888, available Monday – Friday, 8am – 6.30pm
• Text service for people who are deaf and hard of hearing: 086 823 8443, available Monday – Friday, 8am – 6.30pm
• Online webchat on the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre website, available Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm, and also from midnight to 3am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Safe Ireland: Safe Ireland has up-to-date information on the location of local domestic violence support services and refuges in Ireland and their contact details.
• Website: https://www.safeireland.ie/
• Men's Aid: Men’s Aid Ireland (formerly known as Amen) provides a confidential helpline, a support service and information for men and their families experiencing domestic violence.
• Confidential national support line on (01) 554 3811, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
• Email for confidential support at [email protected]
• CARI (Children At Risk in Ireland): CARI has a helpline offering specialised support to anyone affected by child sexual abuse. CARI supports parents, adult survivors, professionals, and the general public.
• Call 1890 924 567, Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm
• Stillhere.ie: The Government has an ongoing public awareness campaign on domestic abuse with information and advice on the website stillhere.ie. It has details of support services for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or in fear of domestic abuse in their home.

Where to get information: 

• Citizen's Information website: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/birth-family-relationships/

Where to get legal assistance:

• Private solicitors in your area
• Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC): https://www.flac.ie/
• Legal Aid Board: https://www.legalaidboard.ie/en/