Men Overcoming Violence expands services in Donegal following a surge in demand
According to the organisation’s 2024 Annual Report, the North-West online programme (formerly Sligo) recorded a high waiting list, with a significant number of participants from Donegal, prompting the launch of a dedicated Donegal online group last year
MOVE Ireland (Men Overcoming Violence) has expanded its services in Donegal following a surge in local demand from men seeking help to change their abusive behaviour.
According to the organisation’s 2024 Annual Report, the North-West online programme (formerly Sligo) recorded a high waiting list, with a significant number of participants from Donegal, prompting the launch of a dedicated Donegal online group last year.
This development forms part of MOVE Ireland’s national RESET framework, which prioritises Rethinking, Engagement, Safety, Empowerment and Transformation.
“The level of demand made it clear that dedicated, accessible support was needed.”
Speaking about the expansion, MOVE Ireland CEO Dr Michelle Walsh said: “Men in Donegal have demonstrated a strong willingness to engage with our services. The level of demand in the region made it clear that dedicated, accessible support was needed. The Donegal programme ensures that men can participate consistently without the travel barriers they previously faced.”
The Annual Report highlights that men using MOVE’s services presented with an average of 12 Adverse Childhood and Community Experiences (ACEs), and that 35% admitted to technology-facilitated abuse — including phone monitoring, online intimidation and coercive digital behaviour.
These findings reflect the complexity of the factors contributing to harmful behaviour and the need for tailored, trauma-informed intervention.
In 2024, MOVE continued to provide partner and child support across all regions, including Donegal, with 441 partners and ex-partners referred for support, and 427 children linked to programme participants, many experiencing fear, anxiety or emotional distress in the home.
MOVE Ireland notes that partner-support engagement increased significantly after the introduction of four full-time domestic abuse support workers nationally.
Men can self-refer via www.moveireland.ie or be referred through TUSLA, Probation Services or other statutory and community agencies.