Shortage of refuges for domestic violence victims in Co Cork 'absolute disgrace'  

Councillors call for more beds for women and children fleeing abuse

Independent councillor Ben Dalton-O'Sullivan said there was a need for at least one safe house in each of the council's divisions, as did Fine Gael councillor John Paul O'Shea. File picture

The shortage of "safe havens" for victims of domestic violence in Cork has been branded an "absolute disgrace", with the council urged to provide more beds for women and children fleeing abuse.

Women escaping such trauma in the East Cork area could only rely on one safe house in Cork City, which usually has six beds, but this was reduced to three because of Covid-19 restrictions, according to independent councillor Mary Linehan-Foley.