WATCH ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services marks 50 years working for a world without violence

ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services staff pictured above at their event on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8, 2024 with Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of Limerick City & County and friends of the organisation in attendance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services celebrated their 50th anniversary on International Women’s Day 2024

As ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services marks its 50th year of operation, the service continues to offer a beacon of hope and support for women survivors of domestic abuse and violence, and their children, across Limerick City and County.

The organisation’s 50^th year in operation was celebrated with an event on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8, 2024 at their current base of operations with Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of Limerick City & County in attendance.

Established in 1974 as a voluntary organisation, ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services has been dedicated to providing a range of services to those affected by domestic abuse by providing emergency accommodation to those fleeing abusive situations.

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ADAPT has grown to become the largest refuge of its kind in the country, and beyond shelter, the organisation offers outreach services tailored to the diverse needs of survivors including one-on-one support and a 24-hour hotline.

Reflecting on its five-decade journey, Denise Dunne, Director of Services with ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services, said, “Today we celebrate 50 years of service to the Limerick community. And over the years, ADAPT has supported thousands of women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. It started way back in the 1970s by a group of women who were really interested in women’s rights and they set up a drop in service in the social services building in Henry Street.”

Denise explained from there the group noticed women who were separated and who were coming for support had injuries and, “there was no place for these women and children to go at the time, there were no laws to protect them.”

“So these women campaigned and they lobbied, they eventually set up the first refuge outside of Dublin in a building called the Old Dispensary in Gerald Griffin Street,” said Denise.

Eventually, ADAPT moved from the Old Dispensary and they bought St. Brendan’s School where they are currently based, Denise noted, “It was a burnt-out school and vandalised. They renovated it, and they made it the largest refuge in the country. Currently, we have 15 apartments, We support women and children from Limerick City and County. We have a large outreach service and other services include child and youth and migrant support and over the years we have just grown from strength to strength.”

ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services celebrated its 50th anniversary with a show of support from the community and those who have used its services, a display of its unwavering commitment to offering respect, support, and safety to survivors.

Denise thanked all of those who have supported the service, saying, “it’s very significant that we’re launching the 50th anniversary of ADAPT. I’d like to thank over the years all the staff, all the boards of directors, all the volunteers and all the supporters in the community of Limerick who have helped ADAPT get where it is today.”

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Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick