‘Epidemic’ of male violence against women

WITH almost 1,900 women turned away from domestic violence services nationwide in six months, Labour TD Conor Sheehan has said that there’s an epidemic of male violence against females in Ireland. Safe Ireland published the findings of its One Day Census 2026, revealing the scale, complexity, and growing pressures associated with domestic violence across Ireland. Conducted on January 28 across 38 specialist domestic violence services, the census provides a snapshot of the experiences of women and children seeking support, while highlighting the urgent challenges facing frontline services. The findings of the Irish organisation dedicated to preventing and combatting domestic violence and abuse identified the housing crisis as the single greatest barrier to safety and recovery for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence services reported turning away 1,872 women in the previous six months because of insufficient refuge capacity, accommodation shortages, staffing challenges or resource limitations. Speaking in the Dáil, Limerick Labour TD Conor Sheehan warned of an epidemic of male violence against women in Ireland. “Nearly 1,900 women were turned away from domestic violence refuges in the final six months of last year. The Government is failing these women. We need the Minister to come in and take questions on this issue this week. Women fleeing domestic violence need support and they need safe refuge,” Deputy Sheehan insisted. According to Safe Ireland, women are increasingly unable to leave abusive relationships, move on from refuge accommodation, or establish independent lives due to shortages in social housing, emergency accommodation, and affordable private rental options. A total of 172 refuge units were available nationally on the day of census with 10 units unavailable due to repairs or vacancies. 162 women and 93 children or dependent adults were residing in refuge accommodation on the day. Interim Chief Executive Officer of Safe Ireland, Christine Lodge, said: “Domestic violence does not end when a woman makes the decision to leave. For many, that is when the next set of barriers begin.” “This census shows that housing shortages, legal obstacles, and inadequate service capacity are preventing survivors and their children from accessing the safety and stability they need and deserve.” The census also reinforced that children are victims of domestic violence, in their own right. A total of 324 children were supported by services on One Day Census Day, with specialist services providing counselling, childcare, educational support, supervised access visits, youth programmes and trauma-informed interventions. However, services identified ongoing gaps in children’s mental health supports, therapeutic services and specialist assessments. “The findings of this census must act as a catalyst for action. Every woman and child experiencing domestic violence should be able to access safety, support and justice when they need it. Achieving that requires sustained investment, coordinated policy responses and a long-term commitment to ending domestic violence in Ireland,” Ms Lodge concluded. The post ‘Epidemic’ of male violence against women appeared first on Limerick Post.