28% of those supported by Wexford Women's Refuge came from other counties

28% of women supported in emergency accommodation by a Wexford women’s refuge last year came from outside the county.

Director of Services at the refuge, Catherine McCurdy says the figure is linked to a lack of refuge spaces in other parts of the country, with some facilities still waiting to be built.

She says women fleeing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence should not have to depend on charitable support to access safety and essential services.

Ms McCurdy says the Government is failing to meet its obligations under the Istanbul Convention, which requires adequate specialist support and accommodation for victims of violence against women.

She is calling for increased and sustainable State funding for services supporting women and children experiencing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

She says the level of community fundraising and donations needed to provide essential supports shows that these services are being treated as a charity, rather than as a necessary response to victims of crime.