Evaluation of a project that supports women experiencing domestic violence in a rural region of Ireland. Women who had or were still using the service and associates in service providers completed surveys to give their opinions of the project and ideas for its ongoing development. A number of case studies showed the benefits to the women and their children when service providers spread across extensive rural regions co-operate, collaborate and integrate their supports in order to deliver client-centred, wrap-around services. The benefits shown here for women experiencing domestic violence are powerful.

1. SOMEONE TO TURN TO,
SOMEWHERE TO GO
CAROLINE CROWLEY, PHD, CROWLEY RESEARCH
22 SEPTEMBER, 2016
Evaluation of WCWAVP domestic violence
support services to women and children and
associates in West Cork
crowleyresearch@gmail.com

2. Presentation outline
 Introduction
 Findings from survey of clients
 Findings from survey of associates
 Findings from case studies

3. Introduction
 Main focus - “provision of a high quality, professional crisis support service to
women experiencing domestic violence and abuse in West Cork” (WCWAVP,
2013: 3).
 Creating collaborative, integrated, client-centred, wrap-around services with
professional agencies and professionals locally and regionally.
 Helping to tackle underlying issues - challenging societal attitudes, contributing
to policy development.

4. Rural geography
 70,000 residents
 2,700km2
 26 persons/km2 (State is
67/km2)
 Countryside, villages,
towns
 Inland, coastal, island,
↓
 Accessibility - ease of
physical reach of service
(car dependency, public
transport)
 Connectivity - direct link to
service (public transport,
ICT)

5. Why evaluation
 Critically examine the project
 Assess services and their outcomes
 Part 1 – clients
 Part 2 – associates
 Part 3 – case studies
 Plan changes, inform strategy and improve co-ordination and integration of
response locally and regionally

6. Part 1 - in her own
words
Clients

7. Client evaluation methodology
 Questionnaire survey– designed for WCWAVP’s specific info needs, draws from
SAFE Ireland (2011) Lifelines to Safety survey form
 40 surveys mailed out
 21 responses
 2010 survey of 29 organisations averaged 14 responses each
 53% response rate

8. Nationality of women
White 90%
Did not answer
10%
Ethnicity
 80% (vs. 76% in 2010 national survey) of women are
Irish
 90% (vs. 78% in 2010 national survey) of women
are white
Irish 81%
Other EU 14%
Did not answer
5%

9. Age range
Women with children
<18 yrs living with them
 Older age profile compared to 2010
national survey
 67% (vs. 68% in 2010 national survey) of women with
children under 18 yrs
26-35 yrs 36-45 yrs 46-55 yrs 56-65 yrs > 65 yrs
10%
38%
33%
14%
5%
None
1
2
4
Did not answer
24%
33%
24%
10%
10%

10. Educational
attainment
Employment
status
Primary
Secondary
Some further
education Degree or
higher Other
5%
29% 29% 33%
5%
Employed PT
24%
Jobseeker or CE
Scheme 24%
Home maker or
carer 19%
Disabled or
retired 19%
Employed FT
14%
 Almost all had completed secondary school
 One third had a third-level degree

11. Friend or relative
WestCork Whisper
Garda or solicitor
Social worker
Doctor or nurse
Citizens Information
Another domestic violence service
Poster in doctor's surgery
Online search
Notice board
Ad in West Cork People
22%
17%
17%
9%
9%
4%
4%
4%
4%
4%
4%
How women first heard about
WCWAVP
vs. 25%
vs. 11%
vs. 11%
vs. 17%
vs. 6%
“The social
worker gave me
a card with
WCWAVP
details. “
“On advice of the
Gardaí…”
“I told my GP…”
“I contacted
WCWAVP…”
Comparisons with 2010
national survey

12. Phone
Bantry office
Phone and Bantry office
Phone,Bantry office and Skibb outreach
Did not answer
71%
10%
10%
5%
5%
How women made contact with
WCWAVP in the beginning
Importance of the
helpline for first
contact for almost
every woman
And later too …
“Just knowing that I
only have to dial
their number keeps
me from deep
despair and
depression.”

13. To talk to someone about my situation
To get help for me
To get information
For emotional support
To get help for my child/children
Confidential service,no one knew me
To accesscounselling services
To get help for someone else
To get access to other services
Other - to have a friend to speak to
Did not answer
81%
67%
67%
62%
52%
43%
33%
5%
5%
5%
5%
Why women contacted WCWAVP the
first time
Importance of
staff resources –
time for
communication
“I was in crisis.”
“I had to leave my
home as it wasn't
safe there for me
and my children …”
“[I was] at breaking
point.”
“… get help with
filling out forms for
the court (and
some emotional
support too)....”
“… give me the
courage to make
changes.”

14. Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Did not
answer
57%
38%
0% 0% 0%
5%
It was easy to find the info I needed to make
my 1st contact with WCWAVP
“I have been seeing the
'Whisper' all over the place for
years. Please continue as this
made contact easy for me. It
was already in my head before
I ever needed it.”

15. Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Did not
answer
52%
38%
0%
5%
0%
5%
I managed to speak to someone the 1st
time I made contact with WCWAVP
“I didn't know the phone lines
were a day service and tried to
call a few times in the evening,
this is when things were worse at
home. Eventually when I did
make contact they were brilliant.”

16. Bantry office
Skibbereen outreach
Phone only
70%
26%
4%
Where women mostly accessed
WCWAVP services
•Importance of an
office presence
•Geography

17. Accessibility and connectivity

18. over 106-103-51-20
19%
33%
19%
14%14%
Frequency of women’s contact with WCWAVP
over previous 12 months

19. Supportworker 1-to-1 (n=16)
Helpline (n=16)
Safety planning (n=14)
Courtaccompaniment (n=14)
Counselling(n=13)
Advocacy letters (n=11)
Referralsto other services(n=7)
Supportgroup (n=5)
Other accompaniment (n=3)
Accessemergency accommodation (n=2)
Crisistransport (n=1)
94%
56%
50%
43%
54%
55%
43%
100%
33%
100%
100%
6%
44%
50%
57%
46%
36%
57%
67%
9%
A lot Some Not at all
WCWAVP services accessed by women and
how much each helped
100% of women
received ‘some’ or
‘a lot’ of the help
they needed from
almost every
WCWAVP service

20. Did WCWAVP services make a
difference for the women?
100%
Yes
No
WCWAVP services made a difference to100% of women
 Confidence building and moral
support
 Empowerment
 Technical / specialist support
 Peer support
 Unique service
 Invaluable service

21. Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Did not
answer
71%
24%
0% 0% 0%
5%
WCWAVP supported me to make my own
decisions
“The WCWAVP gave me the
strength, support and confidence
to put my life back together and
to move on with my life and my
children's lives.”

22. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree
nor disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Not applicable Did not
answer
43%
19%
10%
0% 0%
5%
24%
WCWAVP enabled me to exit safely from a
violent relationship
“I had already left my
abusive husband when
I attended WCWAVP
but found great support
and advice.”
“The
WCWAVP
website
helped me re:
safety
planning. I
learned to
hide my
internet
activity, which
lessened his
control.”
“Having someone
other than a
solicitor with you
for court is a great
boost for your
confidence.

23. Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Didnot
answer
52%
5%
14%
5%
0%
24%
At WCWAVP, I felt supported by other women
who have experienced DV
“I did not attend a
support group as I did
not want people
knowing why I left my
husband. I felt
ashamed.”
“The support group I
attend now is a life
saver for me as even
though I left the abusive
marriage, the abusive
behaviour is still
ongoing.”

24. Would strongly
recommend
she come
Would
recommend
she come
Would neither
recommend
she come nor
not come
Would
recommend
she not come
Would strongly
recommend
she not come
95%
5%
0% 0% 0%
Would women recommend WCWAVP support
services to others?
100% would recommend WCWAVP to others
Vs. 96% in 2010 national survey (100% who
responded)

25. Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Did not
answer
81%
10%
0% 0% 0%
10%
I felt the staff at WCWAVP understood
my needs
“Helped me to see that I
mattered as a person.”
“Support and care when
I really needed it.”
“… staff supported me to a
'deserving' place again.”

26. Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Did not
answer
81%
10%
0% 0% 0%
10%
I felt my opinion mattered at WCWAVP
Vs. 94% in 2010 national survey agreed ‘a lot’
and 6% agreed ‘some’ with “I feel like the
workers valued my opinions”

27. Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
Did not
answer
62%
33%
0% 0% 0%
5%
The time given to me by staff at WCWAVP was
enough to meet my needs
Vs. 95% in 2010 national survey agreed
‘a lot’ and 5% agreed ‘some’ with “I feel
like the workers spent enough time with
me”
“The time
they give
you is never
rushed and
I always left
their office
feeling
better about
the situation
I was
dealing
with...”

28. non-judgemental
friendly
respectful
caring
experienced
knowledgeable
professional
discreet
informative
quick to respond
considerate
effective
empowering
disapproving
dismissive
disorganised
disrespectful
ill-informed
inaccurate
inconsiderate
ineffective
inexperienced
intrusive or nosey
judgemental
unfriendly
unprofessional
90%
90%
86%
86%
81%
81%
76%
71%
67%
62%
62%
57%
48%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Words women would
use to describe
WCWAVP staff
“The staff have always
been calm, helpful
and supportive. They
share what
advice/information
they can and don't
'pretend'.”

29. Current services
“…extending the helpline
to 10pm...”
“Access to, or a 'call-
forwarding' system for,
out-of-hours help.”
“…limited opening hours
which can be difficult when
working.”
“Maybe more outreach
centres would help.”
“Extending counselling
services …”
“…extra support worker
who could visit the homes
of these women when they
are unaccustomed to
being out alone at the start
of a break-up.”
“You will have to advertise
your existence so people
know you're there and
where to turn to for help.”
 Extend hours of operation
and office locations
 Increase staff and add
services
 Increase counselling
supports
 Raise public awareness
 Adequate funding for vital
services

30. New services
Safe house
“A 'safe house' for women
experiencing DV. From my
own experience, I know I
would have preferred to sleep
in the car than to go to a
'friend' or 'relation' and get
them involved. In the early
part of my marriage, I knew
about Edel House in Cork city
but it wasn't feasible to go
there with three young
children.”
Public talks
“I think it would be a good
idea to go to schools or
toddler groups or other
groups to give talks and
information on the
services. I think I stayed in
the relationship longer
because I was afraid to
leave and I didn't have the
support.”
“…there are no words I can
think of that stress the huge part
it played in my ‘recovery’ to sit
and talk and be understood by
others who were in similar
situations. The strength I gained
from this was unreal. A
permanent support group
here and in other towns
would be fantastic.”
Peer-to-peer support
Fun activities
“Subsidise yoga classes, art
classes, coffee mornings.”

31. “I would like to thank all the staff of the
WCWAVP for the brilliant work they do. I
don't know if I would have coped without
them. Thank you from the bottom of my
heart.”

32. Part 2 - common
ground, shared
vision
Associates - partner organisations and
professionals

33. Associate evaluation methodology
 Questionnaire – designed for WCWAVP’s specific info needs
 58 contacts emailed notification of evaluation by WCWAVP
 Researcher emailed contacts link to survey and three response reminders
 Participants reassured that neither email nor IP addresses recorded to ensure
confidentiality and to secure comprehensive responses
 38 responses
 66% response rate

34. Gender of respondents
Sector
29%
27%
24%
15%
3% 3%
Voluntary or community sector
Health
Statutory sector/social work
Law enforcementor judiciary
Education
Financial
85%
15%
Female
Male

35. Frequency of associates’ contact with
WCWAVP over previous 12 months
14%
23%
26%
20%
9%
3%
6%
0
1-2
3-5
6-10
11-20
> 20
N/A

36. Associates’ familiarity with WCWAVP
supports and services
“Very positive and
refreshing aspect
of what is required
in the community. ”
Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
47% 47%
3% 3% 0%
Iam familiar with the supportsandservicesprovidedby
WCWAVP.

37. Associates’ understanding of the work
of WCWAVP
“Roles of each service
somewhat an issue of
conflict.”
Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
N/A
61%
32%
0%
5%
0% 3%
I understand how the work of WCWAVP can benefit my
clients.
“I would have liked to work
more from the Maddie Bell
Risk Matrix

38. Associates interest in learning more
about WCWAVP services
“I am always interested with
being updated about any
new services they have to
offer and keep in touch with
them.”
“I am aware of the service but
I have never heard anyone
speak to my organisation
about their service and what it
offers women in difficulties. I
have referred people but
would like to know more.”
“Could organise more
meetings to inform of
developments.”
Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
N/A
16%
42%
32%
5%
0%
5%
Iwouldlike to learn more about the supportsandservices
providedbyWCWAVP.

39. Purpose of associate’s FIRST contact
with WCWAVP initiated by associate
Get informationfrom WCWAVP for myclient
Refer myclient to WCWAVP in a crisis/emergency
Learnmore about WCWAVP formy own information
Refer myclient to WCWAVP in a non-crisis situation
Other
Todiscuss an issue of mutual interest
Invitationto a child protection conference
Invitationto a strategymeeting
Anapproach regarding a project proposal or idea
WCWAVPreferred a client to our service(s)
WCWAVPreferred client due to childprotection concerns
12
11
7
7
4
3
3
3
2
1
1
Initiatedbyme / my organisation

40. Purpose of associate’s SUBSEQUENT
contacts with WCWAVP
“West Cork CIS
works closely with
WCWAVP on a
number of levels. We
refer clients to each
other as appropriate.
We have provided
training to their
volunteers and
WCWAVP has
delivered training at
our request to our
staff and volunteers
re handling DV
disclosures. We co-
Get info from WCWAVP for my client
Refer my client to WCWAVP in a non-crisis situation
Refer my client to WCWAVP in a crisis/emergency
Discuss an issue of mutual interest
Learn more about WCWAVP for my own info
WCWAVP referred aclient to our service(s)
Approach made regarding a project proposal or idea
Offer of training
Invitation to Domestic Violence conference
Invitation to strategy meeting
WCWAVP referred clientdue to child protection concerns
Invitation to child protection conference
Other
13
12
8
8
7
4
4
3
2
2
1
1
1
Initiated by me/my organisation

41. Purpose of associate’s FIRST contact
with WCWAVP initiated by WCWAVP
WCWAVPreferred a client to our service(s)
Invitationto a Domestic Violence conference
Todiscuss an issue of mutual interest
Training offer
Learnmore about WCWAVP formy own information
Anapproach regarding a project proposal or idea
WCWAVP referred client due to childprotection concerns
Get informationfrom WCWAVP for myclient
Invitationto a child protection conference
Invitationto a strategymeeting
Other
6
6
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
InitiatedbyWCWAVP

42. Purpose of associate’s SUBSEQUENT
contacts with WCWAVP
Invitation to Domestic Violence conference
Offer of training
WCWAVP referred aclient to our service(s)
WCWAVP referred clientdue to child protection concerns
Discuss an issue of mutual interest
Invitation to strategy meeting
Approach made regarding a project proposal or idea
Learn more about WCWAVP for my own info
To get information from WCWAVP for my client
Refer my client to WCWAVP in a crisis/emergency
Refer my client to WCWAVP in a non-crisis situation
Invitation to child protection conference
9
8
7
4
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
Initiated by WCWAVP

43. Getting information from WCWAVP
Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
N/A
29%
54%
9%
0% 3%
6%
Ifoundthe informationI soughtat WCWAVP.

44. Getting the desired response from
WCWAVP
Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
N/A
34%
49%
9%
0% 0%
9%
Ireceivedthe response IrequiredatWCWAVP.
“Open door policy
where I feel I can
call in to ask
questions regarding
any concerns I had
about various
issues.”

45. WCWAVP’s engagement with associates’
proposals and ideas
“WCWAVP are very open to
collaborative working
approaches for the benefit of
women who use the service
and the wider community.”
“WCWAVP has been involved
in many projects over the
years with SAFE Ireland.”
Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
N/A
23%
31%
14%
3%
0%
29%
Whenapproachedregardingaproposal or idea, WCWAVP
engagedwithit.

46. Did WCWAVP make a difference for the
associate in their work?
83%
11%
6%
Yes
No
N/A
“…we have benefited from their
expertise and experience...” →
ASSOCIATE
“I am confident when I signpost a
woman to the organisation that
she will get the supports she and
her family needs.” → CLIENT
“WCWAVP is an essential service
for West Cork and the only one
with specific expertise in the area
of domestic violence.” →
COMMUNITY
“Building a more cohesive
community and voluntary sector
in West Cork.” → SECTOR

47. How would you describe your working
relationship with WCWAVP?
“Collaborative
and
beneficial”
“Excellent and
mutually
helpful”
“Excellent
working
relationship”
“Very positive
and co-
operative”
“Friendly and
professional”
“Very good,
staff excellent
to deal with”
3
4
5
1
1
Excellent
Very good/positive
Good
Professional
Ok
Graph of one-word answers

48. Strengthening relationships
“Ticked N/A as we already
have a strong working
relationship.”
“I think we should work
more together.”
Strongly
agree
Agree Neither
agree nor
disagree
Disagree Strongly
disagree
N/A
20%
46%
23%
3% 0%
9%

49. experienced
knowledgeable
professional
respectful
effective
goodcommunicators
organised
Other
ineffective
unprofessional
inexperienced
disorganised
ill-informed
disrespectful
poorcommunicators
85%
74%
74%
71%
56%
53%
35%
18%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Words associates
would use to
describe WCWAVP
staff
“Friendly, able to meet clients
‘where they are at’ in terms of
a DA/ DV journey i.e., not
rushing people to make
decisions when they are not
ready.”

50. 74%
17%
3%
0% 0%
6%
If you thought or knew that your client was experiencing domestic violence,
would you:
Recommending WCWAVP
“If I knew any woman or
heard of anyone who
wanted support around
domestic violence I
would recommend the
service.”

51. Working together
Partnership approach, integrated practice
“Particularly liked the
community development
ethos and ability to work at
integrated health and social
care levels.”
“I feel that there is a positive
collaborative working
relationship that is mutually
beneficial in terms of
organisational priorities of
both organisations,
particularly in representing
the needs of the clients we
serve. “
“Provided mutual service
user with the support she
required in order for her to get
out of her abusive
relationship. “
“Our joint working
relationship has had
positive outcomes for
service users.”
“Integral part of beginning
PPFS initiative.”
“Shared practice in the field of domestic
violence work, very positive response and
established professional relationships.”
“Invaluable individual support to one particular
client in regards emergency accommodation,
counselling, assistance with access and support
overall. Very much worked in partnership
with ourselves.”
“They engage fully with other agencies and
for us this means we have benefited from their
expertise and experience and been able to offer
effective supports to women experiencing
domestic violence. “

52. Regional significance of WCWAVP
Local expertise and service
“WCWAVP have expertise
and experience that is not
available anywhere else in
West Cork.”
“I am happy that well-trained
workers can deal with the
issue of DV locally without
already traumatised women
having to drive to the city. It
protects the women in West
Cork.”
Wider reach – sectorally &
geographically
“They provide a
necessary service in
West Cork and have been
a strong support to the
population.”
“Building a more cohesive community and
voluntary sector in West Cork.”
“The work of WCWAVP also contributes to a
discourse on violence against women in a
local, regional and international context.”
“The co-ordinator has offered input on policy
issues.”
“SAFE Ireland values the input from
WCWAVP…”

53. Developing current / new services 1
Public awareness
“Community engagement and
outreach on violence.”
“Awareness workshops …”
“Open dialogue within the
community on the issue.
Seminars/information evenings….
Public awareness/initiative
campaigns.”
“Increased awareness among
groups of the appropriate
response to people who disclose
DV and also an awareness of the
signs that a woman may be at
risk.”
More staff, helpline
hours
“The service provided is
excellent. However, it is
limited by the number of
staff available to provide
support. Additional
staffing resources would
be important.”
“Extended helpline
hours.”
“More outreach to other
towns.”
“…the geography of West
Cork provides a unique
challenge to their ability to
provide their service
effectively. With additional
employees, they could
utilize existing facilities
(such as ours [FRC]) for a
part-time base of operations
and information services. We
have clients who see them
as too far to get to.”
Outreach

54. Schools and youth
“Expand work with young
people / schools in schools
throughout West Cork.”
“We are beginning to see a
worrying trend of teenage
boys who begin to physically
abuse their mothers (usually
single mothers) and it is
evident that a poor or no
positive male role model has
existed for these boys. The
school can act as a venue
to teach these skills to the
young boys.”
Developing current / new services 2
Gardaí and courts
“Close interaction with the courts
service and Gardaí to ensure follow
through and support of victims of
domestic violence.”
“Ensure Gardaí are handing out
the cards to every victim they
encounter.”
“Prosecute perpetrators for the
crimes of assault and battery and
remove them from the domestic
scene - not make it incumbent on
the victim to leave.”
Accommodation
“The lack of proper
emergency accommodation
for women and children needs
to be addressed urgently.”
“…residential
accommodation in West
Cork.”
“A refuge in West Cork.”
“explore specific homeless
accommodation options for
those who experience DV and
who are homeless or at risk of
homelessness.”

55. Training
“Further training for community
workers around DV /
protective behaviours.”
“…staff working within Local
Authorities should have
increased competencies when
working with a case that
involves DV; perhaps training
targeted in this area if it is not
already planned?”
“…delivery of training and
information regarding infant
mental health and the impact on
young children.”
Developing current / new services 3
Integrated services, cooperation, campaigning
“Go out to all service
providers or have an
information talk quarterly
outlining what services
[WCWAVP] provides, what
supports [WCWAVP] can
offer people.”
“… linking in with other
professionals in the field.”
“Ongoing links with other
services.”
“Increased cooperation and referrals
between organisations which come in contact
with people at risk of DV.”
“From a wider, more strategic approach we
need to keep DV on the agenda, campaign for
changes in the law, and better resourced
services and more effective responses for
women. DV is an issue for us all. The Child
and Family Support Network has a role to play
in raising awareness of gaps and needs and
passing this information up to the funders and
government departments. WCWAVP could
build this into their strategic plan to ensure a
campaigning role and involvement of the local
networks to support this work.”

56. Part 3 – integrated
multi-agency
collaboration
Case studies

57. Wrap-around, client-centred services
Woman
WCWAVP
CIS
DCO,
Gardaí,
Judge

58. Features
 Multiple agencies and associates – WCWAVP, West Cork CIS and District Court Office – along
with the Gardaí and District Court Judge
 Across three towns – Bantry, Macroom and Clonakilty
 Established working relationships
 Rapid and seamless collaboration
 Intensive communication
 Client centred service integration
 Outcome
 secured legal order from initial disclosure in one afternoon and in one town
 normal procedure takes days and requires travel to two or more towns
 Such integrated multi-agency collaboration overcomes the
disadvantages of rural geography

59. “I believe in this service. I feel it is truly
necessary. The difference a service like this
makes to any victim is amazing.”
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