Picture/DWCR
Drogheda Women & Children’s Refuge has published its Annual Report for 2025, showing growing demand for domestic abuse services across Drogheda, Louth, Meath, and the wider North East.
The report details the work carried out across emergency refuge accommodation, outreach, court support and specialist services for children and young people during the year.
A total of 316 women received more than 10,600 support interventions, while 75 women and 72 children were admitted to refuge accommodation.
The organisation also delivered 3,812 interventions for children and young people, alongside 816 interventions relating to housing and 753 legal and court interventions.
Demand for accommodation remains high
One of the clearest pressures identified in the report is the demand for emergency refuge accommodation.
During 2025, 429 women and 304 children could not be accommodated in refuge. The report also records 247 instances where the refuge was full.
Housing remained the largest area of support identified in women’s support plans, with the organisation warning that the housing crisis continues to make it more difficult for women and children to move from emergency refuge into safe, sustainable accommodation.
Susan Keogh, CEO of Drogheda Women & Children’s Refuge, said:
“Our Annual Report demonstrates both the impact of our services and the increasing demand for specialist domestic abuse supports in our region. Behind every intervention is an individual or family seeking safety, support and a pathway towards recovery. While we are proud of the support provided throughout 2025, the report also highlights the urgent need for increased refuge capacity and continued investment in services for women and children affected by domestic abuse.”
Coercive control reports increase
The Annual Report also highlights changing patterns among people accessing the organisation’s services.
There was a 79% increase in women and children reporting coercive control compared with 2024, with 168 women and 229 children recorded as affected.
The Refuge reported a 39% increase in women seeking refuge from an abusive partner, while the number of mothers supported through its Parent Support Clinic increased significantly. The report says interventions through that service rose by 86% during the year.
Child protection referrals to Tusla increased by 10%, with 370 referrals made during 2025.
The report places particular emphasis on recognising children as survivors of domestic abuse in their own right and developing supports suited to different age groups.
Expanding community support
The year also saw further development of services outside emergency refuge accommodation.
DWCR progressed plans for its new Community Resource Hub, while funding was secured to expand outreach, court support and services for children and young people.
The Community Resource Hub has since opened in Drogheda as part of the Refuge’s expansion of community-based services. Drogheda Life covered its launch and the publication of the organisation’s new Strategic Plan 2026–2030 earlier this year.
The Refuge also delivered education and awareness work throughout 2025, with 135 professionals receiving Recognise, Respond & Refer training and 206 people participating in wider education and awareness activity.
The organisation thanked its staff, volunteers, funders, community partners and supporters for their contribution during the year.
The full Annual Report 2025 is available through Drogheda Women & Children’s Refuge.
