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.