From the Irish Times:
MORE THAN 1,700 women fleeing violent spouses or partners were turned away from refuges last year due to lack of space.
The figures, published yesterday, also show there was a 21 per cent increase in demand for domestic violence services last year, as compared with 2007.
Safe Ireland, which represents 40 domestic violence services throughout the State, said over 5,000 women accessed domestic violence services annually.
Last year 1,947 women and 3,269 children were admitted to refuges, said Sharon O’Halloran, Safe Ireland Director.
Some 4,638 women received support from services, an increase of 21 per cent on 2007 figures.
“On 1,722 occasions last year, we couldn’t accommodate a woman in need because our services were full,” she said.
Absolutely true- however sadly women in Ireland are very much second class still- although it is not visible to outsiders.
ReplyDeleteMany women stay in violent homes, because they have no way out- due to 4 year wait for divorce and having to live apart by law during that time.