www.clarehaven.ie 

Clare Haven Services is a voluntary organisation set up in 1993 to provide support, information and refuge accommodation to women and their children who are being abused in their own homes.

At Clare Haven, our aim is to provide support and offer information to women who are experiencing domestic abuse. Our staff will help in a non-judgmental and sensitive way.

Our current services are as follows:

REFUGE ACCOMMODATION  

Clare Haven Refuge comprises six family ensuite units, a large dinning room, bright airy kitchen, a crèche, laundry room, an outdoor playground and a cosy, comfortable women's sitting room. The reception, office and meeting rooms complete the complex.  At the back of the refuge we also have a beautifully landscaped garden, with a smaller contemplative garden for women to relax in.

24 HOUR CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE - 065 6822435
Clare Haven operates a confidential help line offering support, empathy and understanding, as well as information on options available to  women experiencing domestic violence.

DROP-IN CENTRE
Clare Haven operates a drop-in centre in Munster House, Gort Road Business Park, Gort Road, Ennis where we provide one-on-one support for women. Women can drop in at any stage for a chat or for information or support.  After the first visit women are then seen on an appointment basis.

OUTREACH CLINICS
Clare Haven runs three outreach clinics throughout the county in Shannon, Kilrush, Scariff and Ennistymon.  At the outreach clinics women receive one-to-one support from a Clare Haven client care worker.

INSIGHTS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN
We run an educational and development programme for women called 'Insights'. The programme focuses on the woman herself and her power to change the course of her life. Detailed information leaflet available.

COURT AND OTHER ACCOMPANIMENT
We offer court accompaniment to women who are seeking Protection, Safety or Barring Orders.  We also offer to accompany women to legal aid, doctors, social welfare etc.

EDUCATION AWARENESS AND PREVENTION PROGRAMMES
Clare Haven Services believes that one of the most effective ways to help reduce and eliminate domestic abuse in our society is through preventative education and awareness raising and training.  Clare Haven regularly gives awareness raising talks on domestic abuse to second-level schools and training centers.

Our training unit also runs training and gives awareness talks to voluntary and community groups; statutory agencies and professionals working in front-line services. To book training or awareness raising talks please contact us on 065 6842646.

INTERAGENCY WORK AND REFERRALS
It is difficult for one agency on its own to address all aspects of domestic abuse.  Many other agencies and organisations also have a role to play in preventing domestic abuse, protecting and supporting survivors of domestic abuse and holding perpetrators accountable. Clare Haven works closely with other statutory and voluntary groups to provide a holistic service to women and children.

More about the Refuge and second stage houses ….

Women and children are able to access the refuge in the knowledge that their safety is our paramount concern. The refuge provides not only a safe environment, but also one of  comfort and support, while giving each women the dignity that she is entitled to.

Each woman coming into the refuge receives one-on-one support. A careplan is drawn up with her to look at her practical needs such as housing, social welfare, schools for children, etc. As well as her practical needs she also receives emotional support from our experienced staff.  A crèche runs for two hours every morning and from the Autumn an arts and crafts session will run several times a week for children.

Clare Haven staff work tirelessly to support women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, and all support work is carried with the knowledge and permission of the women. At all times, it is the woman who decides what is best for her and for her children. If needed, a staff member will accompany a woman to court, legal aid, social welfare etc.

Clare Haven have also built two second stage houses: a purpose built two bedroom bungalow with wheelchair access and a three bedroom, two storey detached house.

The second stage houses are offered to women who have accessed the Refuge and are ready to live on their own, with minimal but available support from Clare Haven, but who cannot return to their own homes.