1 in 4 women in Ireland experience domestic abuse. During lockdown An Garda Síochána has seen an increase of 25% of call outs and Women’s Aid has experienced an increase of 60% in calls to the National Freephone Helpline in recent weeks. Now the services of Women’s Aid are needed more than ever.

For many women this difficult time has left them and their children in great danger. The threat looms largest where they should be safest - in lockdown in their own homes.

In light of this, we wanted to bring your attention to a really important and empowering series of online concerts led by Ireland’s top female musicians and artists as they perform directly from their own homes, in a much-needed fundraiser to support the victims of domestic abuse. 

Meitheal na mBan is a weekly series broadcast on TG4’s YouTube channel. Some of the musicians performing on the series to stand with those who are at their most vulnerable at this time include Mary Black, Sharon Shannon, Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Julie Fowlis, Nell Ní Chróinín, Lisa O’Neill, Bronagh Gallagher, Wyvern Lingo, Cliona Hagan and Cathy Jordan.

The weekly series will be broadcast on TG4’s YouTube channel on Wednesday the 20th of May at 9.30pm and will continue for four weeks.

Donations can be made online to www.womensaid.ie/donate or by texting the word ACTION to 50300 to donate €4*

Singer Nell Ní Chróinín felt this was a project she just had to take part in: 

I'm so happy I was asked to be a part of this campaign for Women's Aid and the work they do is so important and it's really vital that we all support it. I hope that in some way this music might give a little bit of relief or solace to those at home living in difficult circumstances. It's so important we can do whatever we can to help- and I hope I can help from my home.

Sarah Benson, CEO Women’s Aid says,

For many of us home is a place of safety in a time of uncertainty and during the Covid19 national emergency we have all been told to stay home. For thousands of women and children across Ireland, home has become a place of violence and fear. There is a ‘perfect storm’ of circumstances which is leading to a major increase in the number and the severity of incidents of domestic abuse. Women’s Aid are doing all we can to support women experiencing domestic abuse, at this time of increased need. In the days and months ahead we need even more support to keep our vital services going and we are delighted to partner with TG4 to bring Meitheal na mBan to screen and to all the incredible artists for so generously donating their time and talents.

Those directly affected by domestic abuse should contact 1800 341 900, Women’s Aid’s 24-hour National Free Phone Helpline.