Minister for Justice promises at least 400 domestic violence beds after RTÉ Investigates special

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has responded to the RTÉ Investigates special aired last night by promising at least 400 beds for victims of domestic violence and a place of refuge in every county.

Speaking to Morning Ireland today, the Minister also said that it was her "priority" to overhaul the entire system, including making it more supportive for victims and changing how courts tackle acts of domestic violence.

In the special, RTÉ Investigates spent time at different women's shelters around Ireland, as well as listening to women that have experienced violence in their own homes.

It found that many of these refuges had come under increased pressure during the pandemic, with calls from women needing support rising as much as 150 percent in some cases.

Minister McEntee stated that an audit has already taken place looking at the current system for aiding domestic violence victims in Ireland.

"We've listened to, and I've listened to, and my colleagues have listened to the frontline workers, the community and voluntary sector - those who deliver these services," she said.

"Based on that audit, based on that accommodation review, we're bringing together the delivery of policy and services."

One of the findings of the RTÉ report found that of the 4,672 breaches of domestic abuse orders, the primary legal weapon used against perpetrators, 137 ended up going went to prison.

It also found that the housing crisis has impacted women looking to leave their partner, with many that wished to leave their current housing unable to find another place to live.

RTÉ Investigates: Domestic Abuse, A Year of Crisis, can be watched now in full on the RTÉ Player.

Women's Aid Ireland currently estimates that one in four women in Ireland that have been in a relationship have been abused by their current or former partner.

Their national 24-hour helpline is available at 1800 341 900, with a web chat also available on their website.