Planning, funding and coordination challenges have impacted the pace of refuge accommodation development for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), according to Cuan.
The statutory agency's 2024 report showed that it facilitated approximately 124 refuge development meetings with local authorities, service providers and housing agencies to address barriers to accommodation expansion.
While the annual report noted the successful opening of Wexford Women's Refuge as "a key milestone last year", it said the "the pace of accommodation development highlighted ongoing planning, funding and coordination challenges, underscoring the importance of sustained engagement with local authorities and statutory partners".
In 2022, the Government launched a zero-tolerance strategy that aimed to double refuge spaces to 282 by 2026.
Cuan was established as part of the initiative to ensure that victims and survivors receive the support they need.
Its annual report said that eight purpose-built family refuge units were established in Wexford, four new capacity units were brought on stream in Waterford, and three new Safe Homes were established in 2024.
The shortfall in refuge units has consistently been highlighted as a problem for victims of DSGBV, and it is unlikely that the provision of 282 units by next year will be reached.
Under Council of Europe (Istanbul Convention) guidelines, a country the size of Ireland should have 472 refuge spaces.
According to the report, ten stakeholder groups were established in priority locations where domestic violence refuge development had not yet commenced.
"These groups play a crucial role in maintaining momentum, fostering inter-agency cooperation and addressing barriers to the timely delivery of refuge spaces in high-need areas," it stated.
In September 2024, the Wexford Women's Refuge was opened at a cost of €6.5 million.
It was funded by Government through Cuan and the Capital Assistance Scheme.
There are12 family units, including a fully accessible disability unit, effectively tripling the refuge's previous capacity.
'Foundation laid' to expand emergency accommodation
Throughout 2024, Cuan worked closely with the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency, local authorities and service providers to accelerate the expansion of domestic violence refuge and safe home accommodation, according to the report.
It said that "a foundation has been laid" for expanding emergency accommodation and ensuring that victim-survivors have access to safe housing options in the coming years.
Last November, Cuan launched its corporate plan for 2025 to 2027 and proposed to double the availability of refuge spaces during the lifetime of the strategy.
It noted that the agency is "already making strides" in expanding the number with "impressive targets for 2025 and beyond".
The annual report showed that Cuan grew from an initial staff of 14 in 2024, to 28 by the end of the year.
Its Chief Executive, Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, said the first year of the agency focused on building strong foundations.
"We have developed robust governance structures, financial systems and operational frameworks to support our mandate.
"Most significantly, we have successfully transitioned the oversight and funding of 78 DSGBV service organisations from Tusla and the Department of Justice, ensuring continuity of these essential services while strengthening oversight and introducing new monitoring systems."
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan welcomed the report, noting the establishment of Cuan as "a crucial milestone" in the Government’s commitment to eradicating "these abhorrent forms of violence".
