There is a growing recognition of the need for more safe places in Cork for survivors of domestic violence, according to Siobhán Leahy, Acting Assistant Manager of Cuan Lee, a refuge for abused women and children.
She was reacting to a new €363 million government strategy announced this week to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
The so-called 'Zero-Tolerance' Plan includes tougher penalties on perpetrators of violence - such as an increase in the maximum sentence for 'Assault Causing Harm' from five years to ten.
Nationally, the number of safe homes will be increased by a third by the end of 2022, with a focus on accommodation for victims and child-victims in the community rather than refuges.
Speaking to RedFM News, Siobhán Leahy says the housing crisis and growing population means even more spaces are needed:
"Cork has been identified as needing six replacement beds and six additional spaces, so that would bring it to a total of 12 family spaces. So while I feel that the identified 12 spaces are adequate, domestic violence refuge spaces are becoming congested, because I suppose move on accommodation options are limited, due to the ongoing housing crisis. A 14 bed refuge facility is something that's being considered to address this issue, and also to take into account the growing population."
