Call for State funded flexible cash payments for survivors of domestic violence

Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Service today launched a new report entitled ‘No Safety Net: The Cost of Survival’ detailing the impact of flexible cash payments to women survivors of domestic violence over the past four years.

The report was compiled to share learnings on a cash grants programme, which was instigated at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Women’s Aid, Safe Ireland and Bank of Ireland have supported the cash grants programme in Meath and other counties through local domestic violence services.

Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services have to date distributed over €60,000 in 127 cash payments to women staying in refuge and engaging with its outreach services in Co Meath.

The average grant was €480 with funds used to meet a wide variety of emergency needs, including car repairs and transport, personal and home safety (such as changing locks), essential needs like food and clothes and legal costs.

Speaking on the day of the launch, held at Bank of Ireland, College Green, Frances Haworth, CEO, Meath Women’s refuge & Support Services said: "While not a panacea for the multitude of barriers and challenges facing survivors of domestic violence, flexible cash payments can have an immediate impact, relieving stress, offering choice and providing women a vital safety net to prevent a spiral into poverty.

"Flexible cash payments have been used effectively in the UK, USA and Australia specifically to support women affected by domestic violence both pre and post separation. Due to the nature of economic abuse, women may have limited access to funds while in a relationship, and financial stress can initially worsen for women when they leave. We are calling on the Government to introduce a flexible payment scheme for survivors in Ireland, which has been shown to empower women and reduce dependence.”

Sarah Benson, CEO, Women’s Aid, said: “No woman should face a scenario where she flees abuse only to face poverty, and yet this 'Catch 22' is what thousands of women grapple with. Even a small grant can provide a financial safety net when made available at such a vulnerable time, but women should not have to rely on specialist domestic services who can only provide them through precarious public fundraising. Accessible State funded grants to practically assist survivors to escape domestic abuse, to rebuild their lives, and those of their children should be introduced.”

Mary McDermott, CEO Safe Ireland added: “Safe Ireland consistently calls for effective material supports for survivor-victims who are escaping domestic violence. The forced return to violent and coercive relationships and homes sustains Ireland's bitter cycles of suffering and destruction.”