Looming budget cuts for women's shelters, a national disgrace

Jim Higgins Fine Gael MEP for Ireland North West will speak this week in Strasbourg on the elimination of violence against women and the Parliament's motion for resolution - which aims to tackle this social problem. This Wednesday 25th of November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.  Jim Higgins is calling on our government to acknowledge the shocking level of violence against women and its detrimental effect on Irish society and to establish a solid action plan, as proposed by the European Parliament in their motion for resolution.

"Violence against women is one of the most frequently violated human rights - yet it appears not to be a Government priority."

Violence against women has many forms, none of which differentiate between age, martial status, class or cultural background.  For an estimated 213,000 women in Ireland, home is a place where they experience injury, severe abuse, fear and terror - "these women should not suffer in silence".

Last year Women's aid[1] annual statistics showed that 20,326 calls were made to their helpline but only 10,140 calls could be answered, due to budgetary and staffing constraints.  While mainstream domestic violence services experienced a 21% surge in demand for victim services, government funding was reduced by 12% with further cuts looming in the upcoming budget.

"Cutting money where it is most needed - now that's vintage Fianna Fail." Jim Higgins stated with disappointment.

Last year more than 1,700 women fleeing violent spouses or partners were turned away from refuges due to lack of space - "one must wonder what kind of message we send to those women, who are left with no support and nowhere to turn for help".

Ahead of the upcoming December budget Jim Higgins urges the Government not to punish the victims of such crimes by excluding them from funding.

"Violence against women has intensified since the economic recession, now is the time for investment in women's refuges and shelters not cutbacks."


[1] A National Voluntary Organisation which provides support and information to women and their children who are being physically, emotionally, financially or sexually abused in their own homes.


Contact: Aoife Kearney +32 22837843