The response to Domestic, Sexual Violence and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE). Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. DCYA is providing Tusla with €25.3m this year for some 60 organisations that deliver services for these victims. This includes funding and coordinated supports for 21 services that provide emergency refuge and non-refuge accommodation to victims of domestic violence.
Tusla has advised that there is currently a relatively low demand for refuge, with some vacant units, most likely reflecting challenges for women around access to services in the current context rather than lower levels of need. Levels of demand are however, beginning to rise.
Tusla is aware of reduced capacity within some refuges, due to requirements to enforce social distancing or self-isolation measures, particularly where communal facilities may exist. There is also a requirement for additional capacity to address medically advised self-isolation requirements for service users. As facilities, accommodation and arrangements are specific to each service, Tusla is working with individual organisations to address any challenges arising in maintaining essential service provision.
Tusla reports that as of 22 May 2020, 101 of the 139 family units that would usually be available for victims of domestic violence, were also in use or available for use. To mitigate the impact of social distancing and isolation measures, an additional 45 refuge and non-refuge accommodation units for service users have been secured in the community (as of 22 May 2020), through the efforts of local services with support from Tusla. In total, Tusla had 146 family units available to it on 22 May 2020.
Tusla is aware that there are and will be issues for service providers, including refuges, throughout and beyond the period of the current emergency public health measures. Tusla has redeployed six members of staff to emergency accommodation services for victims of domestic violence. A total of 18 relief staff are in use across the system, as of 22 May 2020. Tusla has also provided a guidance document to all refuges, mainly in regard to contingency planning in the current health crisis. All guidance is in line with public health guidelines from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
It should be emphasised that the current restrictions on movement do not apply to a person escaping from a risk of harm or seeking to access essential services, such as persons experiencing domestic violence. Tusla provides financial support to the Women’s Aid and Male Advice helplines, so that anyone experiencing domestic violence can receive assistance and advice at a time of need.
To date, Tusla has provided additional funding of approximately €279,964 across DSGBV services since the commencement of the COVID-19 crisis in Ireland. This includes funding for additional staffing, ICT resources for staff working from home, and access to additional accommodation. The matter of funding will be kept under review, and Tusla will continue to engage with service providers regarding issues and difficulties that may arise at this time.
