No Excuses for FG on Domestic Violence Accommodation

Cllr. Deirdre Kingston has welcomed the launch of the ‘No Excuses’ national awareness campaign on sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Cllr. Kingston said;

“I welcome the launch of the ‘No Excuses’ campaign from government today. There is a serious need for a national conversation on how we respond to sexual harassment and violence in Ireland. Yet, what has been announced today is an investment in advertising spots on Radio, TV and in print media.

“If this campaign is to be successful it has to be paired with service provision for those trying to escape these situations. The government can always do more than encourage a conversation. They can take real and substantial steps to provide meaningful supports for victims of sexual violence.

“One area in which this government is not doing enough is the provision of emergency accommodation for victims of domestic violence. I have been campaigning for a refuge for victims in my constituency of Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown for the last two years.

“Following the ratification of the Istanbul Convention it has come to light just how far behind Ireland has fallen in the provision of domestic violence accommodation.

“Labour is proposing that the Department of Housing and Local Government make dedicated capital funds available to every Local Authority in the country. We have dedicated budgets for other types of housing, such as Traveller Accommodation, step down housing and the recently announced plan for housing older people, so why not for domestic violence accommodation? We currently do not have a dedicated women’s refuge in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and according to a report there are a further nine counties without a refuge. ”