ROOM AT THE INN

Funding for dedicated women's refuge

Almost a dozen calls were made before a safe refuge space could be found for a local woman fleeing domestic, sexual and gender based violence at home, The Anglo-Celt can reveal.

However, the urgent demand for such crisis accommodation, an issue that has blighted the region for the best part of two decades, could soon be resolved.

The timing of the announcement that a new domestic violence refuge is to be sited in the region is poignant given it’s the season when the nativity story is to the fore.

Monaghan County Council is working to identify a suitable and secure site for the facility, while Fianna Fáil Deputy Niamh Smyth this week confirmed that funding will be made available to operate the new service in conjunction with Tearmann Domestic Violence Services.

The progress comes as Tusla prepares to publish its own review of refuge emergency accommodation provision nationally, which is expected to highlight a serious need for such schemes locally.

Siobhán McKenna, manager of Tearmann Domestic Violence Services, says any positive development is “welcome”, having waited “years” to see such plans realised.

She praised the initiative of Monaghan County Council in seeking to provide a secure refuge site.

“Any development is welcome, and in 2022, we look forward to working with Monaghan and Cavan County Councils in order to pursue crisis accommodation,” she said.

While the refuge set-up will be in Monaghan, Ms McKenna intends the facility be available to Cavan victims also.

“As time goes on we’ll be looking at where this might go,” says Ms McKenna.

Ms McKenna said that victims of domestic abuse in Cavan and Monaghan have, in the past, had to travel to the likes of Meath, Louth or Sligo for refuge accommodation.

For now at least, that remains the case.

“We’ve had to get alternative accommodation, whether that’s Dublin or wherever we can find it. One of the last cases where we were looking for refuge, we had to call 11 refuges before we could find a space. It could be anywhere right now, we don’t know where they’re going.”

Up to the end of November, Tearmann provided support to upwards of 300 people. The figure is on par with that reported last year.

Last month the local charity received €15,000 allow for additional emergency services, but Ms McKenna says that budget is constantly being spent to help make safe and protect women and their children escaping violence in a domestic setting.

Of the confirmation of funding for a refuge for Cavan-Monaghan, Deputy Smyth says: “I have been advised that money is available to fund this facility locally and I am working with all stakeholders to ensure this key project is delivered without delay.”

Having met with Safe Ireland and the Department of Housing to discuss funding and the provision of a domestic violence refuge in Cavan-Monaghan, the local TD adds: “Domestic violence instances have significantly risen during the pandemic and the immediacy of the facility is far more urgent. I appreciate there are some services in the constituency, but these services are already stretched. We urgently require a 24 hour refuge that offers safe and secure accommodation and support.”

Make a plan

In the run up to Christmas, Ms McKenna urges anyone who has experienced abuse in the home and is living in a situation involving domestic violence, to “try and plan ahead”.

“Try to talk to even a friend, who you might be able to talk to and get support from over the Christmas when services are not open.”

Ms McKenna further points to the fact that victims of domestic violence can access the rent supplement quickly.

The protocol to assist victims of domestic violence in accessing rent supplement was introduced in response to the pandemic. The Government later confirmed the temporary measure would be made a permanent feature.

Ms McKenna remarked that such supports are “important” for families. “It can cover a need for a few months at least, while they are assessed properly for housing.”