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Midlands Refuge Centres For Domestic Violence Victims To Be Ready This Year

Monday, 27 November 2023 07:16

Works are underway to build three refuge centres in the region.

It's hoped two safe houses for victims of domestic violence in Offaly will be open by the end of this year.

A third house is expected to be ready in the first quarter of next year, with all being handled by Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service.

The refuge centres will represent the organisation's first response to calls for emergency accommodation since it began as Offaly Women in Crisis back in 1997.

CEO of ODVSS, Anne Clarke, says the houses are for low to medium risk victims:

Ireland has today become one of the first countries in Europe to provide paid work leave to victims of domestic abuse. 

Statutory Domestic Violence Leave will provide up to 5 days fully paid absence annually to employees impacted by domestic violence.

34,000 cases of domestic abuse were reported to Women's Aid last year. 

Ms. Clarke says the leave will give victims the opportunity to access supports without having to worry about missing work or pay:

Partner and Head of Employment Law at EY Deirdre Malone says the legislation is a significant step.

 

 

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