Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses to the committee. I am glad this topic is being aired because I definitely see a link between domestic violence and the people I meet who are becoming homeless.

They are not leaving directly because of domestic violence and these cases are vastly under-reported. When we get talking to these women we discover there is a history of domestic violence. It is not necessarily the cause of their homelessness now but it has been in past relationships.

There is such a trend in society of victim blaming. Now is not the time for a discussion on domestic violence but there is a constant invocation asking why the woman does not simply leave. It is a little ironic now because it is extremely difficult for anyone to leave. We all know it is not as simple as just leaving. The point was made about the most dangerous time being when a woman leaves and in the period afterwards when partners follow up.

I am keen to draw these things out. One of the witnesses said her organisation is turning away five times more families than it can cater for. From my past interactions with rape crisis centres and other organisations that deal with violence against women, it is clear they are suffering under cuts as well. We have seen instances of refuges closing down. No one can see a refuge as being a solution, obviously. However, what I have been hearing from those involved in refuges is that women cannot get out of them. Will the deputation elaborate on that point? It is similar to the idea of a bed blocker - a horrible term - in a hospital in the sense that there are no places in refuges because of the homeless situation. This is a serious issue for the safety of women and children. One issue that probably has not been drawn out sufficiently at this committee is the child welfare aspect of homelessness. The damage that is being done to children psychologically arising from homelessness is extraordinary, but it is worse still if we factor in a history of domestic violence.

I have extensive anecdotal evidence of people having to stay in the house, and this has been brought out already. They may want to separate but cannot afford it. There can be psychological control of and damage to women in those situations as well. Will the members of the deputation clarify whether they are aware of situations where women have been hurt because they were afraid to leave given the likelihood they would fall into homelessness? Will the deputation draw out that point and give some details? Are we likely to see women and children facing serious injury, possibly even death, in the near future as a result of the housing crisis?

The deputation has said domestic violence is a leading cause of women, children and young people becoming homeless and that it is a pathway to homelessness. I assume the solution is not only building houses but providing affordable homes for families to be able to access. Are there specific immediate emergency accommodation issues as well? Do the organisations need more houses provided in the short term for families?