A safe refuge — your own home

Refuges provide a vital first step out of a terrible situation for many very traumatised women and children. We cannot overlook their role in the overall domestic violence service.

Earlier this month, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced that victims of domestic violence will be granted improved access to the rent supplement on a permanent basis. 

The measure, which ensures that means testing does not apply to domestic violence victims seeking accommodation, had been introduced on a temporary basis during the pandemic. The scheme was set-up to ensure that victims are not prevented from leaving home due to lack of finance or alternative accommodation options.