Domestic abuse support in Ireland

If you're experiencing domestic abuse in Ireland, Women's Aid Ireland is here to help. You can ring their 24-hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 anytime, day or night, they offer support and someone to talk to who understands what you're going through.

If you're also worried about housing or homelessness as a result of your situation, Focus Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust both provide services and advice. If you have children and need family support or help with the impact of separation on them, Barnardos Ireland offers that too. You don't have to sort this out alone, reach out to any of these services; they're there for you.

If you are reading this at a hard moment, take it at your own pace. Irish law sets out clear, practical orders a court can make to protect you and your children, and the courts deal with these applications quickly. The points below come from official sources, so you know what exists before you speak to anyone.

• A safety order tells the person not to commit or threaten violence, and can last up to 5 years; a barring order requires them to leave the home and stay away, and can last up to 3 years. Spouses, civil partners, cohabitants and people in intimate relationships, including dating relationships, can apply (citizensinformation.ie).
• While you wait for a full hearing, the court can grant a protection order, or an interim or emergency barring order lasting up to 8 working days. For an emergency barring order you do not need to own the home or be named on the lease, and in an emergency the Gardaí can ask the Courts Service to arrange a special out-of-hours court sitting (citizensinformation.ie).
• Coercive control, a pattern of intimidation, humiliation and controlling behaviour, is a criminal offence in Ireland under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 (citizensinformation.ie).
• You do not need a solicitor to make an application, though representation is recommended for a full hearing. You apply through your local District Court office, and your first hearing before a judge can be on the same day or within a day or two (courts.ie).
• Orders can protect your dependent children as well as you, and breaking an order is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine, up to 12 months in prison, or both (citizensinformation.ie).

Checked August 2026 against citizensinformation.ie and courts.ie. This is signposting, not legal advice.

You do not have to be in crisis to reach out, and you do not have to decide anything straight away.

• Confidential support, whether you want to leave, stay, or are simply unsure.
• Safety planning for you and your children.
• Help understanding protective court orders and your housing options.
• Someone to talk it through with, free and without judgement.

If you are in immediate danger, call 112 or 999. Both are free and work from any phone.