Fear of Homelessness Keeping Women in Abusive Relationships
According to a domestic violence service in Cork, many women are remaining in abusive situations due to the fear of ending up in emergency accommodations. This service has successfully expanded its refuge capacity by 50% since the onset of the pandemic.
Surge in Domestic Violence Order Applications
The number of applications for domestic violence orders in Cork has risen significantly, with figures increasing from 169 per month in 2022 to 195 in 2023 and reaching 200 monthly last year.
Encouragement for Joint Property Owners
Mary Cullinane, manager of Cuanlee Refuge Cork, highlighted that part of this increase is attributed to their efforts in encouraging individuals who jointly own property with their partners to seek protection orders rather than risk long-term homelessness.
The Challenges of the Housing Crisis
“Given the housing crisis, individuals who leave a refuge often find themselves needing to access homeless services, which can trap them in instability for over a year,” Cullinane emphasized.
Supporting Safe Transitions
Cuanlee Refuge employs a court accompaniment worker to assist clients with legal statements, actively working to prevent unnecessary displacements. “Often, mothers and their children find themselves displaced through no fault of their own, leaving one partner in the family home,” Cullinane noted.
No Place to Turn
Cullinane shared that many women are hesitant to leave abusive environments due to the lack of safe alternatives. “They fear entering homeless services, which influences our encouragement for them to apply for protective orders,” she explained. “However, we understand that some situations may not allow for a safe return to their homes.”
Emphasizing Safety During Legal Processes
“The period between submitting an application for an order and its enforcement can be exceptionally dangerous for women and their families. We advise using a refuge during that critical time,” Cullinane shared.
Rising Demand for Refuge Services
Cuanlee Refuge has reported a noticeable increase in demand for its services. “Since COVID, we’ve expanded our capacity by over 50%. Initially, we were able to accommodate six families, and now we also have six standalone apartments in a different area of Cork,” she stated.
Advocating for More Refuge Space
“Just last week, our refuge could have filled all its spaces again. Cork is a priority area for the establishment of new refuge facilities, and we urge the government to expedite this process instead of delaying it for another two years. Continued engagement is crucial,” Cullinane insisted.
Outreach Support for Women
In addition to refuge services, Cuanlee offers an extensive outreach program for women who may not yet be ready to enter a refuge but still seek support. Cullinane encourages anyone uncertain about their relationship to reach out for assistance.
– If you are impacted by the issues discussed in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
