700 women and children were turned away from COPE refuge in Galway City last year, according to the charity, who is blaming the ongoing housing crisis for the "worrying" situation.
COPE Galway Waterside House Domestic Violence Refuge Outreach service was unable to accommodate 288 women and 405 children in 2015, and while they do assist women to access safety when they call, the charity says more space need to be made available.
“This crisis is twofold in that it affects women and their children who are in refuge, who cannot move on due to lack of affordable accommodation within the rent allowance caps. This lack of spaces in turn affects women who are seeking safety from domestic abuse, who cannot access refuge,” Wendy Heuston, Manager of COPE, explained to the Galway Independent.
In 2014, 475 women and children were turned away, and last year, 37 women who arrived at the refuge with their children were given a couch and pull-out bed to sleep on.
According to Wendy, the housing crisis is “exacerbating” the situation for women seeking help from domestic violence.
“Refuge is never meant to be a long-term solution. It is there for women and their children who are in a crisis situation and need to get out of danger. This situation is totally unacceptable and should not be allowed to continue.”
Adding that the new Government needs to put the housing crisis on their priority list, Wendy added: “It is a national as well as a local crisis and government parties need to get around the table and give this issue the priority it deserves so that women and children can be safe today.”
