Nikita Hand’s courage must be matched by action on domestic and sexual violence – Bacik
Nikita Hand’s courage must be matched by action on domestic and sexual violence – Bacik - The Labour Party
- Government must fund the Safe Fund in Budget 2027
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has called on Government to fund Labour Women’s proposed Safe Fund in Budget 2027, following an exchange with Minister Jack Chambers in the Dáil today at Leaders’ Questions on domestic and sexual violence.
Deputy Bacik said the Minister acknowledged work under way to support survivors but did not address the Safe Fund or commit to funding it. She said immediate financial help could make it possible for people to leave an abusive home when an opportunity arises.
Deputy Bacik said:
“Survivors should not have to weigh their safety against whether they can afford a taxi, a new phone or a deposit on somewhere to live. For a woman leaving with children, those costs can be the difference between getting out and remaining in danger.
“Nikita Hand has spoken with extraordinary dignity about the lasting impact of sexual violence. Her courage has helped others speak about their experiences. We owe survivors more than praise for their bravery. We owe them practical support and a State that does not place the burden of finding safety entirely on them.
“I acknowledge the progress made in responding to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. But serious gaps remain. In just six months, nearly 2,000 women were turned away from domestic violence services because there were no State-funded beds available. Too often, it is the person experiencing abuse who must leave the family home, while the perpetrator stays. State inertia is making an already difficult decision harder.
“Government’s Zero Tolerance strategy commits it to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Labour Women’s Safe Fund offers one practical way to act on that commitment. The proposal is for a €3 million, three-year, non-means-tested fund, administered by Women’s Aid, to give survivors immediate help with the costs of leaving.
“The Minister spoke today about doing more. That progress is welcome, but he did not engage with the Safe Fund or commit to funding it. With the Budget approaching, that is disappointing.
“Labour is calling on Government to fund the Safe Fund in Budget 2027. People facing violence must be able to reach safety when the chance comes. Government must make that possible.”