Refuge Centre needed for Cavan/Monaghan says TD

At present there is no dedicated Refuge Centre in Cavan or Monaghan.

Pressure has been put on the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration to progress, without delay, the provision of a Refuge Centre in Cavan/Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse.

“Unfortunately in the last few months there has been an increase in domestic violence and adequate supports need to be put in place to all families who are experiencing difficulties at this time,” says Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fail TD, Brendan Smith.

At present there is no dedicated Refuge Centre in Cavan or Monaghan.

Tusla currently provides support, coordination and funding to some 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). This includes Tearmann Domestic Violence Service, located in County Monaghan, which provides a range of community-based services for victims of domestic violence, including emotional and practical support, advocacy, and court accompaniment services.

Tearmann also provides an outreach service in Cavan Town.

In the reply received by Deputy Smith, the Minister said that Tusla has been in contact with funded organisations, including those in the Cavan/Monaghan region.

The contact was made in relation to a Strategic Review of Domestic Violence Accommodation aimed at informing Tusla's future commissioning of domestic violence emergency accommodation services, and to ensure that the evolving needs of service users are met.

“Tusla will carry out further engagements as the year progresses with a view to finalising the review.  Future developments will be informed by the findings of the review and the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

“Tusla emphasises that its key priority at all times is to ensure that the needs of victims are met in the best way possible, with due attention to the quality, accessibility, and outcome of services,” concluded Minister O’Gorman.