Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are told that one in every five women experiences violence, domestic violence and abuse in their relationships. That is a gut-wrenching statistic. If we really think about what that means, the eradication of domestic violence needs to be right at the top of our agenda. We are talking about so many women. Approximately 370,000 women will experience some form of violence or abuse in their lifetime. That is the population of counties Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Donegal and half of County Mayo. If we consider that probably as many children will also be in the same position, living in homes where coercive control and domestic violence are to be found, then we see the incredibly negative, heartbreaking impact on their lives as well as the negative societal impact.

Sometimes I think that we, as a society, do not fully appreciate the extent or horror of domestic violence, where women and children are afraid to live in their own homes. This afternoon, I attended most of a webinar facilitated by Safe Ireland, which gave us a comprehensive and thought-provoking picture of the journey victims of domestic violence take from a fearful coercive situation to one of independent living. The challenges faced by those trying to navigate that journey are overwhelming. The objective of this webinar was to let us know how we, as legislators, can make a difference to those who are navigating a journey, which was called, "No Going Back". Those who spoke talked of the critical co-dependencies that keep women and children in homes where there is domestic violence. They talked about the four pillars of legal protection, health services, secure income and housing. I do not have time to go through them, but each is an important piece of the jigsaw that helps women make that journey.

As Mary McDermott said, we have 19th-century infrastructure in this country trying to address a 21st-century problem. That is why our response must be comprehensive, co-ordinated and resourced. I heard the Taoiseach speak earlier about different Government agencies and ongoing audits. That is fine, but we should be well past that point. The problem is immediate and massive. Speaking of 19th-century infrastructure, on too many occasions I have had to raise the fact that the constituency I represent, covering Sligo-Leitrim, north Roscommon and south Donegal, does not have a domestic violence refuge. Victims have to access rental accommodation. It is scandalous and unacceptable that these black spots for refuges for victims of domestic violence exist across the country.

We do not need an audit on this. We know when something could be tackled immediately. I hope I never again have to stand in this House and say that there is no refuge for victims of domestic violence, or no plans for such a refuge, in my constituency.

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