Innovative fundraiser for Foyle Women's Aid in Domestic Violence Awareness Month
A Derry woman is hosting an innovative fundraiser for a charity “close to her heart” to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Maria Doherty will host a ‘virtual coffee morning’ every day in October in aid of Foyle Women’s Aid in the city.
“I am asking people in Derry and maybe further afield to please consider donating, no matter how small the amount,” she said.
“Your donation could help provide safety, support and hope to a woman or child who may be facing the darkest and most frightening period of their life.
“I survived. I know how important that first step towards safety can be. Now I want to help make sure someone else doesn’t have to face it alone,” added Maria.
Foyle Women’s Aid exists to eliminate abusive behaviour by supporting all victims of abuse, through awareness raising and preventative educational initiatives. Through partnership working, the organisation aims to develop and sustain non-violent healthy communities in the North West.
“Every day in October, I am encouraging people to post a photograph of their Coffee Morning with the hashtag #virtualcoffeemorning and tag three of their friends to encourage them to do the same,” explained Maria.
“The idea is they will then donate the cost of the coffee to my JustGiving link: Virtual coffee mornings for Foyle Women's Aid”, she added.
“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this fundraiser is something incredibly close to my heart. A virtual coffee morning is a simple way to donate. Simply upload a picture of your morning coffee and donate the cost. Tag three friends in Derry or your local area to do the same within 24 hours with the hashtag #virtualcoffeemorning.
I survived. I know how important that first step towards safety can be. Now I want to help make sure someone else doesn’t have to face it alone.
“I am fundraising for Foyle Women’s Aid because I know personally how devastating domestic abuse can be. I am a survivor of domestic violence, coercive control, financial control and other forms of abuse, and I know how difficult it can be to recognise what is happening, find the strength to leave, and know where to turn for help. No woman or child should ever feel trapped, frightened or alone in their own home.
“The statistics in Northern Ireland are heartbreaking. In the 12 months to December 2025, 30,793 domestic abuse incidents and 18,524 domestic abuse crimes were recorded by police. (NISRA) At one point, domestic abuse was being reported to police in Northern Ireland, on average, every 16 minutes. (Northern Ireland Assembly) And behind every statistic is a person, a family and a story.
“Foyle Women’s Aid provides a vital lifeline to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Based in Derry,their services cover Derry, Strabane, Limavady and Dungiven, providing confidential specialist support, emergency accommodation and a safe place for women and their children when they need somewhere to go. They also support children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse and provide practical, legal and emotional support to help women move towards safety and independence. (Foyle Women’s Aid,” said Maria.