Extra money announced for Laois domestic abuse support
Further funding to support the Laois service that helps women and children suffering domestic abuse, has been announced.
A total of €42,500 has been approved by the Government to fund the Portlaoise based Laois Domestic Abuse Service centre.
The money for Laois is a fraction of €4.6 million announced for more than 60 Irish organisations supporting victims of crime for 2022.
Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State in the Department of Finance welcomed the funding announcement on Friday, March 25.
"This funding will assist Laois Domestic Abuse Service increase their ability to provide supports and services, information and advice on the rights of victims, as well as counselling services, court accompaniment and other accompaniment. Training and awareness raising of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is also funded.
"I am pleased to see additional support and funding being made available to this organisation. I will continue to work closely with Laois Domestic Abuse Service in their project to establish a new Domestic Abuse Refuge Accommodation in Portlaoise," Minister Fleming said.
ent of this government to support victims in their engagement with the justice system. These services, all operating in the area of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, are already doing invaluable work,” Senator Hackett said.
Minister of State Pippa Hackett welcomed a rise generally in funding for Midlands domestic abuse services, with another €47.000 for Offaly and €40,000 for Westmeath.
“I can appreciate how important it is for a person to have someone with experience accompany them to court to help manage their fear of the system and the unknown. My colleague Minister McEntee is working to implement a victim centred criminal justice system where victims know that they will be treated with respect and dignity when they come forward to report what has happened to them. This is hugely important as we strive towards zero tolerance of domestic, sexual and gender based violence. All who experience crime should feel supported to stand up and receive justice," she said.
Last month the Government also confirmed it will fund the provision of a new 8 unit refuge for victims of domestic violence in Portlaoise.
That unit is yet to be planned and built however, leaving Laois families little option to escape abusive homes with the housing shortage.
See www. laoisdomesticabuseservice.ie