Safe Ireland fund for domestic abuse victims 'has saved women and children’s lives'

Research carried out by Safe Ireland and NUI Galway this year on the cost of domestic violence found that 76% of women reported financial abuse in their experience of coercive control. File photo

Survivors of domestic abuse are being extended a lifeline by a Safe Ireland fund which is helping people flee abuse before Christmas.

Poverty traps many people in abusive relationships, Anne Clarke, Manager at Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services (ODVSS) said. And poverty also drives some of those who have left abusive partners to return in desperation.