Funding boost for ODVSS and Tullamore Rape Crisis Centre

Tullamore Rape Crisis Centre and ODVSS are set to get an extra funding boost of over €50,000 between them for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) services.

Today (Thursday), the day Cuan, the new Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) Agency was formally opened, the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee announced an extra €6.3m funding for 43 organisations following an open call, including €36,000 for Tullamore Rape Crisis Centre and €22,000 for ODVSS.

In all, €2.5m of overall total is to address critical needs and emerging demands for domestic violence services, another €2.5 million is for refuge and safe home development, and €1.3m to address critical needs and emerging demands for sexual violence services nationwide.

Other major beneficiaries in the region includes €165,913 for the Athlone-based Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service, over €105,000 for Longford Women's Link, another €108,000 for Roscommon Safelink Ltd and €10,000 for Athlone Rape Crisis Centre.

Minister McEntee said this additional 6.3 million in funding is testament to this Government’s steadfast commitment to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and to supporting the services on the frontline who are supporting victims.

“We know more people are seeking help from domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services, and we are determined to ensure that the necessary supports and staffing is there to meet the demands across the country, including for young people and in rural areas.

“The extra 2.5 million for safe accommodation is particularly important, and will help deliver additional refuge spaces in our priority locations,” she explained.

The additional funding will be overseen by the new DSGBV agency, Cuan.

Cuan has been allocated a total budget of approximately €59 million for 2024 which represents a record increase in funding for combatting domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland.

This significant funding will support the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy and will assist Cuan in meeting the needs of victims and survivors of DSGBV around the country.

Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, CEO of Cuan commented: “This additional funding will help expand services and supports around the country and help address unmet need with a focus on those with additional vulnerabilities or complex needs.”

Some 43 organisations were successful following an evaluation process conducted by Tusla in collaboration with the Department of Justice. The funding from individual organisations ranges from €10,000 to more than €420,000.

Last November, established DSGBV organisations were invited to submit requirements or proposals for additional funding in a number of areas, including to ensure greater coverage in rural areas for domestic violence series, and to help meet the needs of young people requiring sexual violence services.