A code of practice was unveiled today to help voluntary groups dealing with domestic violence.
Minister of State Noel Ahern said the code contains suggestions for practical responses and stresses the primary need for the safety of the woman at risk and her children.
Women's Aid, which has backed the code, say figures show one in five Irish women have been abused by an intimate partner.
Mr Ahern said: "By implementing the code of practice on domestic violence, projects will be highlighting their support for those experiencing domestic violence and helping to break the cycle of silence which has traditionally surrounded domestic violence."
The Community Response to Domestic Violence Network in the west of Ireland developed the code, which has been backed by other groups.
The code was established for use by groups within the Community Development Programme, which is made up of 185 projects around the country.
The projects will be working with local organisations to provide services and supports for those experiencing domestic violence and adapt the code to their situation.
Last month, Women's Aid revealed 40 per cent of the 20,000 calls to its helpline in 2004 went unanswered due to inadequate services.
PA