DVR’s roots are deeply embedded in the principles and practice of community development. The organisation emerged from the needs identified by the Letterfrack Women’s Group in the late 90s of rural women in North West Connemara.

They had identified the physical and emotional isolation experienced by women who were subject to domestic violence both in terms of a lack of services locally for women and the silence that surrounded the issue. Our outreach work, which began in Recess School, Connemara, has evolved from a small rural-based telephone and outreach support into a high-quality service, delivered by highly skilled staff producing substantial positive changes for women and their families in Galway City and County.

It has grown and expanding while retaining its core vision, mission and objectives. It has placed women at the centre of its decision making and is client led in the changing direction, skills and responses devised. Its services, programmes and advocacy have changed women’s lives for the better.