The Quiet Work That Protects Women and Children

Much of the work that changes women’s lives does not make headlines. It happens quietly, behind closed doors, in moments of trust, patience and care. This International Women’s Day, as we celebrate women and the progress still to be made, it is worth pausing to recognise the quiet work that saves lives — the work carried out every day by Laois Domestic Abuse Service Domestic abuse and coercive control thrive in silence. For many women and children, the harm is ongoing, hidden, and deeply isolating. Reaching out is rarely dramatic. It often begins with a first conversation, a tentative disclosure of ‘just enough information’ to determine trust, or a one-to-one meeting where someone listens without judgement and believes her story.

As the only specialist domestic abuse service in Laois, Laois Domestic Abuse Service offers a wide range of supports designed to meet women and children where they are. One-to-one emotional and practical support helps women identify their needs and options, moving at a pace that feels safe and right for them. Group psychoeducational courses such as Own My Life provide education on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence in intimate partner relationships, and a space for women to deepen their understanding. Court accompaniment ensures that no woman has to face the legal system alone.

Counselling and psychotherapy provide space to process trauma, rebuild confidence and begin healing.

For children and young people affected by domestic abuse, support is just as vital. Through specialised children’s services, schools education programmes and summer camps children and young people are helped to understand their experiences, recover from trauma and begin to feel secure again.

The quiet work also reaches beyond crisis response. Partner support for programmes such as MEND, along with community initiatives like Purple Hand Champion Training, play a role in challenging attitudes, reducing stigma and preventing violence before it occurs.

Through Purple Hand Champion training, community members, workplaces and organisations learn how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, respond safely to disclosures and refer to specialist supports. The Purple Hand is a visible symbol of a shared commitment: to listen, to believe, and to act for a safer Laois.

International Women’s Day is not only a celebration but a reminder of collective responsibility. When we give our support to services like Laois Domestic Abuse Service, we gain safer homes, healthier childhoods and stronger communities.

Ending violence against women and children may be quiet work — but it is life-changing work, and it matters deeply.