Ms Paula Kearney:

In SAOL, we really promoted a peer-led approach. There is an absence of female-specific services in Ireland. There is Jane's Place and all, which is welcomed. It is brilliant there are other places now. In SAOL we have targeted services within the project. There is the DAVINA programme. That is the reason I gave the woman that name. It comes from a programme, but that is a woman's story and we user her name. DAVINA means domestic abuse and violence is never acceptable.

This is a targeted, peer-led programme for women who have the co-occurrence of substance abuse and domestic abuse. Then we have the BRIO programme, of which I am co-ordinator. This programme works to build recovery inwards and outwards. The first phase involves working with the women on personal development and identifying what their goals are. It is about getting them to a place where they feel comfortable to start sharing and to wanting to speak out. In many instances, women with substance abuse issues are pushed aside and told to shush. It is as if our voices are not important enough. A lot of that comes from their fears. Going back to pregnant women, any young girl having their first child, in particular, is already feeling judged and anxious about making mistakes and being so careful.