domestic violence

Surge in calls for domestic violence help

SAFE Refuge urgently needed to support victims

domestic violence

Published: Thu 28 Jul 2022, 4:08 PM

The number of female domestic violence victims coming forward to seek help in counties Cavan and Monaghan has increased by 15% since the end of lockdown, writes Michelle Taite.

The revelation comes as plans to provide a dedicated refuge in the constituency took a step forward in the past week. Currently, there are no refuge spaces for victims in the two counties despite repeated calls and a number of high-profile incidents.

Spokesperson for the Tearmann Domestic Abuse Services, Siobhan McKenna, told the Celt that, in the first six months of this year, the service received calls from 205 women experiencing domestic abuse.

“We had an increase following Covid. During Covid, because we were an information and support service, it was extremely difficult for women to make contact with us as their abusive partner was often at home.

“So, we really saw a significant difference after Covid when everything opened up again,” she stressed.

Ms McKenna views the provision of more refuge spaces as important. The new facility will cater for up to eight families.

“Our new premises are really important as we look forward to the future within domestic violence services. The need for different types of crisis accommodation has become more and more important over the last number of years,” she remarked.

Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth hosted a second meeting last week with key stakeholders to progress plans for the delivery of the refuge centre.

She outlined the progress to date: “It’s hoped a site could be identified in Cavan or Monaghan before the end of this year.”

Deputy Smyth added: “Funding is readily available for this project and, collectively, we will move this project swiftly to delivery. Safe Ireland is leading this project.”

Representatives from Safe Ireland, Tearmann Domestic Violence Services, Cavan County Council, Monaghan County Council, Tusla, local gardaí and the Department of Housing were all present at the meeting.

“Since the group last met, we received a renewed commitment from the government for the delivery of refuge spaces for Cavan/Monaghan as part of its zero tolerance strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence,” assured Deputy Smyth.

The delivery of 98 refuge spaces nationally is a key action in that €363M plan. Published last month the €363 million Zero Tolerance strategy is built on four pillars – Protection, Prevention, Prosecution and Policy Co-ordination. The implementation plan contains 144 detailed actions to be implemented this year and next.

“We must deliver a safe haven that will allow the women presenting from Cavan and Monaghan at the refuge the time and space to recover and plan their future. The provision of necessary wrap-around services especially for children are also essential in rebuilding their esteem and confidence from the trauma,” said Deputy Smyth.

Ms McKenna is keen to see the ‘Zero Tolerancy’ plan implemented.

“The national strategy will form the basis of a really strong foundation for domestic violence services going forward, particularly under the National Development Strategy, when it is published, it will be the guidance for the development of services over the next five years,” she said.

* Tearmann can be contacted on 047-72311