A group has formed in the Sligo/Leitrim area to campaign for a dedicated service for women who are experiencing domestic violence.
A number of non-governmental organisations, including the Rape Crisis Centre, Sligo Women's Network and the Sligo Leader Partnership, have come together and are determined to see such a service within a year.
Funding is available through health boards, and many towns such as Donegal and Castlebar already have a service.
A spokeswoman for the group, Ms Caitr∅ona Gleeson, says women experiencing domestic violence in the area are often severely isolated.
At the moment those who need help have to contact the Sligo Rape Crisis Centre or the Women's Aid helpline.
Sligo Social Services also helps women who are being abused in the home but because of limited cannot advertise the fact.
A social worker with Sligo Social Services, Ms Nuala Doherty, says that despite this, she has still seen 72 cases since January from within Co Sligo. "Women often get to us by accident, through Al Anon or by word of mouth," she says.
Those she sees are from all social strata and are "confused, shamed women".
They generally blame themselves even though they know their partners' behaviour is inappropriate, she says. "Women often feel that nobody else is suffering in the same way," she said.
The new service would firstly provide a point of contact for women, and also a safe place where they could meet other women. Ms Gleeson stresses that the service would not make any judgments.
"We work on the premise that the woman knows best; it is not there to judge what is best for her, but just to meet her needs at the time."
The campaign is being launched in the Model Arts Centre in Sligo next Tuesday at 6.30 p.m. as part of a range of activities to mark the annual Sixteen Days of Action Against Violence Against Women, an international event.
The Rape Crisis Centre is holding an awareness day in Sligo shopping centre on Friday. Sligo Rape Crisis Centre can be contacted on (freephone) 1800 750 780 and the Women's Aid Helpline on 1800 341900.