Calls to domestic abuse helpline for Carlow now free of charge

THE domestic abuse organisation Amber has announced that calls to its 24/7 support helpline will no longer be charged.

The organisation, which provides emergency refuge and other support for women and children living in Carlow and Kilkenny who are victims of domestic abuse, has collaborated with local IT services and consulting firm Business IT Solutions (BITS) to set up the new freephone helpline of 1800 819 999.

Following the announcement, Amber manager Lisa Morris said that while calls to the previous helpline were charged at standard landline rates, the cost could have been a potential barrier for those needing support.

"An estimated 89% of women in Ireland who report domestic abuse and coercive control disclose they are also experiencing financial abuse,” said Ms Morris.

She added: “Many women’s access to phone credit is withheld or controlled by a perpetrator, while other women are unable to pay their phone bills because of the financial abuse being perpetrated against them by abusive partners or family members.” 

Amber’s 24/7 helpline received 562 calls from women last year. There were also an additional 44 calls in 2024 from concerned family members and friends of women experiencing domestic abuse. Calls to Amber’s helpline increased by 19% during the period from 2022 to 2024.

Those who call the helpline can talk in confidence and receive specialist help and information. Callers can also be referred to Amber’s other services, such as the emergency refuge, court support, counselling and the organisation’s children’s service, as required.

Ms Morris thanked BITS for their support in sponsoring the helpline, as operating a freephone would not have been financially viable for the organisation.

“We approached our partners BITS with a sponsorship proposal for a new 24/7 freephone helpline number,” said Ms Morris. “As a business working across the southeast, they were very receptive to helping us remove this barrier for women seeking specialist support.” Founded in Kilkenny in 2001, BITS provides IT services and cybersecurity solutions to businesses across Carlow, Kilkenny and the southeast.

Account Manager at BITS, Sinead Meyler, said the company was honoured to support the helpline.

“We have worked with Amber for many years, keeping their network and their data safe, which is vital to the services they provide. We have always been amazed by the work they do. Sponsoring the new 24/7 freephone helpline is something we are honoured to do, as it helps remove a real barrier for women seeking support when they need it most, and we are proud to be a part of it,” she said.

Amber recently announced a rebrand. The organisation, which previously traded as Amber Women’s Refuge, will now just trade as Amber. The decision was made to better reflect the full range of supports it offers. A new logo, representing the protection and healing properties of the amber stone, was also unveiled.

Women who call Amber’s previous 24/7 helpline will be automatically redirected to the freephone number to allow for a full transition to the new helpline.

The new freephone helpline number is 1800 819 999. For further information visit www.amberservices.ie