Kildare Senator welcomes new agency established to tackle domestic violence and refuge delivery

A Kildare-based Senator has welcomed the establishment of a new agency which has been set up by the government to tackle domestic violence and refuge delivery.

Fianna Fáil Senator, Fiona O'Loughlin said she welcomes the government's approval to publish the Bill to create a statutory agency dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) in order to support abuse survivors. 

She explained that the DSGBV Agency Bill 2023 follows a government decision that an agency should be established to deliver on commitments under a Zero Tolerance Strategy, which is 'an ambitious programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept domestic, sexual and gender-based violence or the attitudes which underpin it.'

The new agency will bring the dedicated and expert focus that is needed to tackle the serious and complex societal problem of DSGBV.

Its main functions as set out in the Bill include:

• Planning, coordinating and monitoring the development of refuge accommodation
• Providing support, including financial assistance, for the delivery of services to victims and persons at risk of DSGBV
• Developing standards for funded services, and monitoring compliance
• Co-ordinating the delivery of relevant Government strategies and plans
• Delivering public campaigns aimed at raising awareness of DSGBV and reducing its prevalence
• Carrying out ongoing research to support the development of future policies and programmes  

The Bill will be introduced in the Dáil by the end of the month.

Commenting on the announcment, Senator O'Loughlin said: "Violence against women is an epidemic in this country.

"My colleagues and I in Fianna Fáil have been clear that more needs to change to protect women in Ireland from the threat and fear of violence."

She continued:  "The creation of a dedicated agency to provide a broad range of support services for victims and people who may be at risk or who are suffering in silence is a welcome step forward.

"It signals Fianna Fáil's commitment in government to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are protected. 

"It is paramount that there are robust supports in place so that victims of domestic violence can access the services they need... this includes the delivery of women’s refuge centres right across the country, including here in Kildare.

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin.

"I understand this new agency will play a lead role in ensuring that plans for refuges are delivered. 

"We, as a Party, will continue to strive for Zero Tolerance of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in our society through greater education, an awareness to change attitudes, respect and by ensuring victims are supported with compassion when they take the brave step and come forward to seek help.'' 

Senator O'Loughlin concluded: "The Bill to establish this agency is a top Government priority under the autumn legislative programme, and is expected to be up and running by January of next year."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact: One in Four (oneinfour.ie), Rape Crisis Helpline (1800-778888), the Samaritans (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) and HSE counselling services (1800-235234).