Local woman, Siobhan McKenna is the manager of Tearmann Domestic Abuse Services in Monaghan town.
Over the years, the local organisation has endeavoured to eliminate domestic abuse across Cavan and Monaghan through the provision of support, information and awareness training.
Speaking to Northern Sound in relation to the Government's new 'zero tolerance strategy', Siobhan "welcomed" the news, adding that the service has witnessed an "increase in numbers," particularly since the Covid pandemic.
Cavan and Monaghan are two of nine counties that have no refuge spaces for those experiencing sexual or domestic violence.
However, under the new strategy, places in women's refuges will rise from 141 to 282, with plans to deliver 19 refuge units across Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, and Leitrim.
While Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, says it could be at least 2025 before local refuge units come to fruition, Siobhan says local domestic abuse services will continue to go "full steam ahead" to try and get a range of essential accommodation.
The Monaghan domestic abuse service also made an appeal to women, children and men to 'reach out' for help if they are suffering in silence.
