Ireland's first statutory domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence agency is established

Cuan, the domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence agency, has been established today, January 1, 2024, by Justice Minister Helen McEntee. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA 

Ireland’s first statutory domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence agency, Cuan, has been established in law today by the justice minister.

Cuan will drive and co-ordinate the Government’s response to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV), including refuge delivery — an area which has long required increased resources and input.

The new agency will also lead the current government’s plan to double the number of refuge spaces.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced that she has signed an order to officially establish Cuan.

On Sunday, Ms McEntee commenced the Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-based Violence Agency Act, which establishes Cuan in law from January 1. She said: 

This is a hugely significant moment in our efforts to tackle all forms of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence and the realisation of a key priority in zero tolerance, our strategy to combat these heinous crimes.

“Both the DSGBV sector and the Government have accepted that the State needs to intensify and better integrate its response across all relevant areas — from policy coordination to strategy, from research to education and raising awareness — to help ensure victims of DSGBV have access to services of a consistently high standard.

“These responsibilities and more will be the focus of the work done at Cuan in the months and years ahead, with the core functions identified by the DSGBV sector as part of the co-design process.

“The establishment of Cuan today is a crucial step in our plan for zero tolerance of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence in Ireland, and I want to thank everyone who has helped bring it to this point.”

The agency will work with the NGO and DSGBV services sector to ensure the best possible services are in place to meet the needs of victims and survivors.

It will co-ordinate and report on Government DSGBV strategies; support and oversee the doubling of safe and accessible refuge accommodation; ensure DSGBV supports like helplines are operational; develop standards for funded DSGBV services; and lead on awareness-raising campaigns.

‘Cuan’ is an Irish word meaning a safe haven, harbour, or place of shelter.