Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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It is a huge problem in the nine counties, and Laois and Offaly are the counties I am most familiar with. When victims of domestic violence leave, often taking children with them, they are sent 60 or 70 miles away across two or three counties to a refuge. Their children are taken away from schools, from social workers and, very importantly, from family support, the GP and all other services. It creates chaos, and that is the only way I can describe it. It is making it difficult for people to leave those situations. Even in genuine cases of domestic violence, unfortunately, victims often make their way back, hoping things will change. There is always that hope.