3,000 domestic-violence victims turned away from refuges

More than 3,000 victims of domestic violence were refused accommodation in refuges last year due to the high demand for services, a 38% increase on 2009.

The high rate of refusals was revealed in a series of stark findings by the national organisation for domestic violence services, Safe Ireland.

More than 7,000 women sought help from domestic violence support groups last year while helplines received more than 38,000 calls.

Director of Safe Ireland Sharon O'Halloran said there were currently 20 domestic violence refuges in the country - and services were completely over-stretched.

She's pleading with the Government not to implement any more cutbacks:

"This sector cannot face any further cuts - we're talking about closures," she said.

"Cutbacks to the sector are a false economy because the women will be in the system looking for help elsewhere…Domestic violence services offer effective and efficient services. They offer value for money."