Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
518. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the provision of a dedicated women’s refuge for victims of domestic violence in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7578/22]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-Agency issue coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides supports for victims of domestic violence primarily through funded NGO service providers.
Tusla supports Sonas, a provider of domestic violence services across Dublin, which currently provides a dedicated Outreach Support Worker and individual Safe Home accommodation units in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Services at Bray Women's Refuge are also in close proximity to many people in the County. However, I recognise it is not situated within the County boundaries.
Tusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities.
Government will be guided by the recommendations of the Review. I expect that the implementation process for the Review will identify priority areas where there is greatest urgency in achieving safe accommodation for victims of DSGBV.
