'Very concerning' rise in domestic and gender-based violence in Kildare

There is “a very concerning rise” in domestic and gender-based violence in Kildare, a Kildare senator has told the Seanad.

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin told the House this week that despite a number of supports for victims already in place, a cross-departmental and cross-government approach must be taken to tackle the problem.

Senator O'Loughlin welcomed moves by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Dara Calleary to deal with the issue.

“In my county of Kildare, there is a very concerning rise in domestic and gender-based violence”, Senator O'Loughlin said.

“Over two years, there has been a staggering 30% increase. Organisations like Teach Tearmainn do an excellent job. Teach Tearmainn gives a lot of support not just to those who are in the refuge, but to those who are outside of it, with the courts and so on.

“However, it is struggling to keep up with the numbers. While we do have strong local services and dedicated front-line staff, their efforts are often hindered when individuals cannot physically access help. That is why travel supports are not a luxury, but an essential lifeline.”

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Against this backdrop, argued Senator O'Loughlin, the importance of travel supports could not be overstated.

She said that access to safe and reliable transport can be a “critical barrier” for those who are trying to escape domestic and gender-based violence “and ensure some normality for their children in terms of going to school and so on.”

Many victims, particularly in rural areas, simply do not have the means to travel to refuges, court services or vital support organisations, Senator O'Loughlin added.

“That is why this is an absolute key step change. I thank the Minister for all the work he has put into this debate. Today is a red-letter day in terms of the supports that can be offered.”

Responding to senators, the Minister confirmed that it has been agreed that a protocol, mirroring the one in place for domestic violence rent supplement, should be developed to support victims of domestic violence.

“Accordingly, we are introducing the domestic violence travel supplement in agreement with the representative groups”, he said.