Refuge could only take 25% of cases

DEMAND for bed spaces in a new domestic violence refuge was so high in the last six months that it could only respond to just one in four cries for help.

Viva House refuge, based in Blanchardstown, Dublin, has accommodated 63 women and 112 children on 71 occasions since it opened in June.

The need for the refuge, managed by Sonas Housing, was identified 13 years ago. It is jointly funded by the Health Service Executive and Fingal Council.

Referrals to the service are predominantly self-referrals but referrals are also made from other refuge and domestic violence services, as well as legal, homeless organisations and other community services.

Four out of 10 of all enquiries made to the refuge could not be accommodated because the refuge was already full.

There were 108 enquiries that were not accepted because the refuge was already full. A further 88 enquiries were from people who did not accept the offer of accommodation for various reasons, or did not show up.

Sonas Housing chief executive Sharon Cosgrove said Ireland still lagged behind European refuge provision standards.

Ms Cosgrove pointed out that, based on the British and Council of Europe standard of one family unit for a population of 10,000, there should be a minimum of 122 refuge family spaces in the Dublin area alone. But, even with the opening of Viva House, there were just 34.

“The fact that women make the brave step to leave their unsafe domestic situation but are unable to go somewhere safe because of lack of space is frightening and has potential dangerous implications for the women,” she said.

Ms Cosgrove said it was even more important in a time of recession that services were available to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

Studies showed that domestic abuse, particularly financial abuse, could increase during an economic downturn.

“The downturn can be used as an excuse to legitimise controlling behaviours. Also, if an abusive partner is made redundant, he may be at home more often and the abuse may become more frequent,” she said.

Viva House comprises eight self-contained apartments and a large communal building with a playground and gardens.