Eight new family refuge units for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to open this year

The 2024 implementation plan announced by Minister McEntee on Monday also included an objective that active planning and engagement will get underway at the end of this year for the delivery of 150 additional family refuge units.

Eight new family refuge units for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence are set to open this year.

The units are part of an implementation plan for the government’s Zero Tolerance strategy, according to the Justice Minister, They will be delivered while work will get underway on a further 25 such units, pledged Helen McEntee.

She added that “a strategic plan on safe accommodation for people experiencing domestic violence” will also be developed, “which will include the delivery of more safe homes throughout the year”.

The 2024 implementation plan announced by Minister McEntee on Monday also included an objective that active planning and engagement will get underway at the end of this year for the delivery of 150 additional family refuge units.

Meanwhile, a dedicated unit established for victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation by the International Protection Accommodation Service within the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will operate throughout the year as a pilot programme, according to the strategy. 

The unit has accommodation for eight victims, who will all be female.

Another of the objectives for 2024, under the strategy, is the development of the new Human Trafficking Action Plan “through improved collaboration 30 with persons involved in the sex trade”.

“This will include continuation of safeguarding checks of persons and premises known for involvement in the sex trade, and taking part in national and internationally co-ordinated days of action targeting organised prostitution, brothel-keeping and the purchase of sex," the plan outlines.

In February, the statutory agency to oversee the implementation of the Zero Tolerance strategy, Cuan, was established.

Chief executive of Cuan, Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, said: “Cuan is very proud of the work we have contributed to the 2024 implementation plan, having collaborated closely with our colleagues in the Department of Justice. We look forward to working with more colleagues across the civil and public services sector, so each area can effectively deliver their actions. 

This implementation plan is a major step in enabling us to provide support to victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and will help us in our ambitious goal to achieve zero tolerance for it in Irish society.”