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