Domestic violence body warns against removal of payphones

A national organisation against domestic violence has called for the current number of public payphones across the country to be maintained so that women at risk of abuse can use the facilities to call its helpline.

Women’s Aid warned against the removal of public payphones in its submission to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as it said many of those who avail of its services have their own phone use monitored by abusive partners.

“It is vitally important that the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline is as accessible as possible to every woman who may need it in every part of the country,” the organisation wrote.