Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I would also like to say "Fair play" to the woman who challenged this and brought it to light. Obviously, not everyone would be in a position to do that. I also acknowledge SPARK, which provided assistance. How many other women have received these letters or verbal messages from local Department offices?

The most dangerous time for any victim of abuse is when she leaves a relationship, yet society questions why women stay in abusive relationships. Ending a relationship and severing contact are extremely dangerous steps for women who are victims of domestic violence to take. We need an education campaign on this matter across society. It should not only be addressed in the Department. I acknowledge that this is not strictly under the remit of the Minister's Department but women will come into contact with the Department. Some 80% of people who are abused are abused by partners or ex-partners according to Women's Aid. At the extreme end, 55% of murders of women are by partners or ex-partners. One in three women will experience psychological abuse in her lifetime. We are seeing an increase in stalking by means of social media. There are many ways in which an abuser may maintain control over a victim of domestic violence. Unless we fund refuges, it will be extremely difficult for women to leave abusive situations. Rape crisis centres have had their funding cut by 30%.

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