Dublin refuge unable to cope with demand

Updated: 20:28, Friday, 10 December 2010

A new women's refuge in Dublin is turning away two in every five women seeking help because its accommodation is full.

1 of 1Viva House - 63 women have been accommodated since June (Pic: www.sonashousing.ie)
Viva House - 63 women have been accommodated since June (Pic: www.sonashousing.ie)

Viva House in Dublin 15 has accommodated 63 women and 112 children since it opened last June.

A spokesperson for Sonas Housing, which runs the refuge, said cuts to the social welfare budget could not come at a worse time.

Sharon Cosgrove said: 'Studies show that in a time of recession domestic abuse, particularly financial abuse, can increase.'

The majority of women accessing the refuge are Irish, followed by Irish Travellers and African women.

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