A Cavan Monaghan TD has said that both counties in the constituency need a Domestic Violence Refuge to provide emergency accommodation to those fleeing abusive and violent relationships. Deputy Matt Carthy was speaking following a meeting with Stephanie O'Keefe, CEO of the Cuan, in his capacity as Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice.
Deputy Carthy vowed to work with Cuan as Chair of the Oireachtas Justice committee to ensure that the agency was fully supported in tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
At the meeting Matt Carthy raised the urgent need to increase refugee places, including in Cavan and Monaghan and the need to improve supports for victims and survivors during the judicial process.
In a statement issued to Northern Sound, Matt Carthy said he was pleased to get an update from Dr O'Keefe about the work of Cuan and the progress in getting the agency up and running. Given the high level of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, Deputy Carthy described the work carried out by Cuan as "vital." he local TD believes there are many gaps in the provision of services that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Deputy Cathy continued; "Currently neither Monaghan nor Cavan have such a refuge to provide emergency accommodation to those fleeing abusive or violent relationships. What this means is that many women remain in dangerous situations because of the risk that they or their children would become homeless. This is unacceptable.
"Presently there is a plan to provide only one refuge for the entire constituency with 8 units. This falls short of the commitment to a refuge in every county and is far below what is required. I impressed on Dr O’Keefe the need for urgency in delivering these refuges in both Cavan and Monaghan and my willingness to work with Cuan to ensure that this happens without further delay."
