Budget 2022 must tackle the epidemic of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Image

Statistics produced by Safe Ireland indicate that during, September to December 2020, an average of 2,018 women and 550 children received support from a domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) service every month, with 2,445 women and 496 children accessing these services for the first time during this period. Between March and August 2020, 33,941 helpline calls were answered by the service and 23,336 calls were answered between September and December 2020.

Following our ratification of the Istanbul Convention, Ireland is obligated to have 472 places for victims of DSGBV, but has only 141. The current crisis highlights the need to protect women in communal spaces from infection and cross-contamination. The need for social distancing, requiring extended periods in the home, also highlights the need for thousands of women to find a safe space. Government must meet our commitments under the Istanbul Convention and provide a further 331 refuge spaces for victims of DSGBV. This would cost €33.1 million in Budget 2022. In addition, further service-level supports are needed for those experiencing domestic abuse who do not require residential  spaces. This would require a current allocation of €30m for service provision, training and legal supports in Budget 2022.

Read the full text of our Budget Choices 2022 Policy Briefing - Delivering a Fair Recovery - HERE.