No room in refuge for 154 families

SOME 154 families suffering domestic violence were denied emergency accommodation last year from refuges in the midwest because they were full.

This is one of the stark findings of a new draft homeless framework plan for the midwest, which also showed overcrowding at the region’s only prison in Limerick city is contributing to the homelessness problem in the midwest.

The draft plan by the Midwest Homeless Forum said 65 per cent of the emergency homeless population in Limerick city had suffered from some form or alcohol or drug dependency.

Last year, 150 women and 287 children were admitted to the six-unit Clare Haven refuge, while 230 women and 475 children presented at the 13 unit Limerick ADAPT refuge service.

The report stated: “A further 154 families presented to these two refuges, but could not be accommodated as they were at capacity.”

The report found that where victims of domestic violence “are forced to live in unsuitable emergency accommodation in instances where refuges are full, or stay with family and friends, the chances for many women of being able to escape are minimal”.

On the difficulties raised by overcrowding at Limerick prison, the report stated that the increase in overcrowding “has led to many offenders being granted temporary release much sooner than expected and also in an unplanned manner with no regard for the provision of unconfirmed addresses provided by the prisoner”.

The draft report also states that the number of non-Irish nationals presenting to emergency homeless services, while not significant, has been steadily increasing.