Domestic Violence Advocacy Service

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service is a non- governmental organisation working for the rights of all women and children affected by domestic violence in Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan. From the establishment of DVAS in 2003 to the present day, our vision has remained constant. DVAS works for a society where women and children are supported to live free from all forms of violence and abuse. Our contribution towards the attainment of that vision is to:

• Provide support to women who experience domestic abuse and other forms of gender based violence through a range of free, confidential and accessible front-line services that focus on maximizing women and children’s safety,
• Raise awareness of the issue of violence against women  
• Influence relevant institutions in Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan to ensure that women and their children have access to their human rights, safety, accountability and justice.

As a feminist and human rights organisation, our services are client led and all of our work is underpinned by values of equality, justice and mutual respect.

Services provided by DVAS

DVAS provide emotional support, information provision, risk assessment and safety planning and advocacy on a one to one basis to women at risk. This can be accessed by women through our helpline, at one to one support sessions in DVAS bases in Sligo and Carrick on Shannon, or on outreach visits in a safe and confidential locality close to where the woman lives. DVAS provide a Court Accompaniment service and short term crisis accommodation in the DVAS Safe House service. Group support programmes for survivors of domestic abuse are delivered twice a year and DVAS also provide a space for weekly drop in support group lead by women who have experienced domestic abuse and who are now DVAS volunteers