McEntee opens new domestic, sexual and gender based violence agency

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee today formally opened Cuan, the new Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) Agency.

The new agency, which is called Cuan will work collaboratively with the NGO and domestic, sexual and gender based violence services sector to ensure services are in place to meet the needs of victims and survivors.

As part of its remit, the agency is tasked with

• Coordinating and reporting on the delivery of Government strategies relating to DSGBV (including the current National Strategy)

• Supporting and overseeing the delivery of safe and accessible refuge accommodation, and ensuring the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV (including helpline and other supports)

• Developing robust standards for funded DSGBV services in collaboration with the sector, and monitoring adherence to these standards by funded service providers

• Leading on awareness-raising campaigns designed to reduce the incidence of DSGBV in Irish society as well as ensuring that all victims know the full range of supports available and how to access them

The Agency has a budget this year of approximately €59 million. With over €47 million of that dedicated to the provision of supports and services and over €6 million allocated for prevention and awareness raising initiatives.

Joined by Minister Roderic O’Gorman and Minister of State James Browne, Minister McEntee also announced the appointment of Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe as Cuan’s CEO, following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service.

Speaking at the opening, Minister McEntee said:

“Today is a proud day for all who were involved in bringing Cuan to life.

“The establishment of a dedicated statutory DSGBV agency has been a priority of mine and I am confident that Cuan will be the driving force we need to ensure we deliver the initiatives and changes which will get us to a place of zero tolerance across society for all forms of domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

“In designing and delivering Cuan, Government and NGOs have come together in collaboration and commitment. We have seen all political parties support the legislation to establish it, and we have seen unprecedented understanding and support for this work across society.

“This all happened in the wake of us working in partnership with the sector. We listened to all, including victims and survivors, before drafting the Government Strategy on DSGBV. It reflected the very strong view that, in order to achieve real and lasting change, we needed a focused entity permanently driving a coherent whole of Government approach.

“ I am delighted that someone of the calibre and experience of Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, will now take on the task of running the agency. Given her extensive experience of nationwide service delivery, building new and robust teams, and driving forward ambitious whole of Government priorities, I am confident this leadership is exactly what Cuan needs, in its formative years.”

Minister O’Gorman commented:

“As a Government, we have placed a clear and committed focus on the issue of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. Today is a milestone in Ireland’s efforts to tackle DSGBV, with the establishment of Cuan providing a dedicated agency to drive policy and ensure that anyone at risk of or experiencing domestic violence can access the support required. I want to wish Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, and her team, the best of luck as they begin their work”.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne said:

“The importance and timeliness of this new Agency was underlined by the cross-party support the legislation underpinning it received during its passage through the Oireachtas. Its establishment is another significant milestone in supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence – something which has been central to the policies and legislation enacted by the Department over recent years.

“I would like to wish Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe the very best as she undertakes the role of CEO of Cuan and I am confident that the Agency will play an important role as we work towards ensuring zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland.”

Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe said:

“The challenge of leading Cuan and delivering on the Zero tolerance strategy is one I look forward to. We will work to become a driving force, working across Government, with the sector and all stakeholders, to build a national movement towards Zero tolerance for DSGBV in Ireland.

“My work now is to establish our team and the functions of the new Agency, from research and policy co-ordination, to awareness raising and driving delivery of safe and accessible support services including refuge accommodation.

“I would like to thank Minister McEntee for trusting me with a task of such huge importance, and look forward to working with her Department, all Government Departments and agencies and our close partners and stakeholders in the NGO and DSGBV sector.”

Cuan brings together staff from Tusla, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Department of Justice to work together more coherently with a specific focus on the provision of DSGBV supports and services.