Domestic violence agency to close due to lack of funds

An agency set up to offer support to victims of domestic violence is being forced to close because of a lack of funding commitments from the Government.

The National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency was set up in 2003 with government support.

However, it is set to announce today that it can no longer continue its work due to the Government's failure to commit to ongoing funding.

The agency was established to implement a countrywide programme targeting perpetrators of violence and increasing safety for victims.

The Department of Justice is denying that there is any problem with funding and says it will continue to support the group's pilot programme until a decision is reached on its future.

Labour Party TD Liz McManus, however, is demanding that the department take whatever action is needed to prevent the agency from closing.