According to reports, domestic violence has increased in recent years, especially during lockdown. Reportedly, the number of currently available spaces needs to almost treble in order to meet the obligations of the Istanbul convention, ratified by Ireland in 2019. According to the report, this means fifty-six new refuge places comprising of 7-8 buildings.
Reportedly, a woman can seek aid from a domestic violence refuge by contacting them directly. According to the report, in 2019, 1,134 women and 2,918 children were accommodated in refuges. Reportedly, in 2019 almost 3,000 enquiries from women seeking shelter in refuges were turned away. According to the report, the lack of available places is exacerbated by the housing crisis.