Government failing domestic violence survivors, says Bacik

Labour leader Ivana Bacik has called on the government to “urgently” expand domestic violence refuge capacity following the publication this morning of new data showing that almost 1,900 women were turned away from frontline domestic violence services over a six-month period.

The Dublin Bay TD said the statistics are “deeply alarming.”

“Behind every one of these figures is a woman seeking safety,” she said.

“While Labour welcomed the establishment of Cuan and the government’s stated zero tolerance strategy for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, this report makes clear that the government’s response is falling far short of what survivors need,” she said.

“Under the Istanbul Convention and based on recent Census data, Ireland requires at least 500 refuge spaces to adequately support survivors. We remain well below that standard. Minister O’Callaghan must step up and make the safety and wellbeing of victims a genuine priority,” Bacik said.

The Labour leader explained, “for years, Labour has campaigned for more domestic violence refuge spaces in every county so that victims and survivors can remain within their own communities, close to trusted support networks.”

“This report also lays bare the devastating impact of Ireland’s housing crisis on victims of domestic abuse. It draws a direct connection between inadequate domestic violence support and the chronic shortage of housing. For too many victims, the biggest question remains. Where do you go when your own home is no longer safe? In far too many cases, the answer is nowhere.

“In a wealthy country like Ireland in 2026, we have failed victims of domestic violence who still cannot access safety when they need it most. The government must now act with urgency by delivering the refuge spaces survivors need, investing properly in frontline services and ensuring that every victim of domestic abuse has access to safety, protection and dignity when they seek help,” she said.