Domestic violence - No refuge at shelters

WOMEN and their children are almost invariably but not exclusively the victims of domestic violence.

Part of the terror involved is the sense of being trapped, of having no where to go to seek refuge.

Last week’s report from SAFE Ireland, that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of women they have had to turn away from their shelters because of an increased demand for their services, underlines what seems a growing problem in this society.

For someone who has found the courage to leave a violent and abusive relationship this is a terrible double blow. Their partner has become a monster and society cannot offer respite of refuge. Money worries, unemployment or a thousand other issues may be the spark that provokes this most unacceptable behaviour.

Nevertheless, anyone in this awful bind should be able to rely on the rest of us for protection.