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Domestic Violence Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2019

Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Ceisteanna (444)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

444. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of the initiative to reduce the waiting times for counselling for victims of domestic violence further to her statement on 25 April 2019 (details supplied); the funding allocated; the persons or bodies it has been allocated to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20404/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following clarification with the Deputy's office, I understand that the Deputy wishes to ask about the use of additional funding for Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) services, and in particular funding to reduce the waiting times for counselling for victims of sexual violence.

As the Deputy will be aware, I secured an additional €1.5m in funding for DSGBV services in 2019.

On Thursday 25 April, 2019, I announced that the additional €1.5 million in funding will be used to provide:

- A 10% increase in funding to sexual violence services.

- 12 new outreach workers for women and children affected by domestic violence to improve access to support services.

- National roll out of a 12 week healing programme for children who have been impacted by domestic abuse, which also helps parents/guardians to understand their child’s experiences and support their recovery.

- Opening in the Autumn of a new refuge in South Dublin.

- A specific initiative to reduce the waiting times for counselling for victims of sexual violence.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is responsible for the allocation and administration of funding to DSGBV services. Over the coming weeks, Tusla will work closely with sexual violence services to prioritise and address areas where there are long waiting lists and waiting times for counselling services for victims of sexual violence.

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