Free travel will help people fleeing abusive homes

A survivor of violence who leaves their home is already at a huge disadvantage — access to travel will make things a little bit easier 

How can you start an independent life if you haven’t got the price of the bus fare? Picture: Larry Cummins

Sometimes it’s the little wins that can make a big difference. That is certainly the case with my first Bill in the Seanad — a proposal for free travel passes for those fleeing domestic abuse and gender-based violence — which is being introduced as a standalone scheme by social protection minister Dara Calleary.

When up and running, my initiative will see survivors and their children granted non-means-tested free public transport for three months. It’s a small but practical support measure designed to make leaving their abuser, and rebuilding their lives, that little bit easier.