Refuge expected as part of new DV strategy

People in need of refuge are currently housed in hotels and B&Bs or in refuges in other counties.

An update on the provision of a domestic violence refuge for Cavan is expected following the announcement of a new domestic, gender and sexual violence strategy.

Announced yesterday (Tuesday) by the Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, the plan is expected to see an increase in refuge spaces across the country from the current number of 141 to over 180.

Long-term campaigns for a dedicated domestic violence refuge in the local area are continuing as Cavan and Monaghan are without such a centre.

People in need of refuge are currently housed in hotels and B&Bs or in refuges in other counties.

An update on the provision of a dedicated local centre is expected as part of the plan, with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of Ireland, Roderic O’Gorman, saying earlier this month that progress on the centre is continuing.

Replying to a parliamentary question from local TD Niamh Smyth (FF) in mid-June, the Minister said an update is expected soon.

“Every effort will be made to ensure progress in the delivery of this vital service. The need to increase the provision of refuges is widely acknowledged by Government.

“The timelines for delivery of these places, as well as further targets for nationwide delivery of refuge accommodation, will be outlined in the Department of Justice's upcoming Third National Strategy and further detail will be contained in the accompanying action plan.”

Changes to the maximum sentence for certain offences is also expected as part of the plan, with that for assault causing harm doubling from five to 10 years.