"A lifeline for many" - Louth to receive €295k for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence

Louth and Meath are to receive over €295,000 to expand domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services in both counties.

The funding will support the expansion of counselling services, improve access to domestic and sexual violence services, and increase capacity to respond to rising demand across national helplines. 

Services are often put under strain during the Christmas period, with more than 1,600 reports of domestic violence nationally during Christmas week in 2024. 

The announcement is part of a wider national funding package of €3.2 million across 67 services nationwide. 

Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn welcomed the funding describing it as a "lifeline for many who feel trapped and alone." 

Senator Comyn said many people have had to deal with domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in silence "for far too long". 

She said this investment is about ensuring support services are properly resourced at local level, and it is "crucial" that services are properly equipped to meet increased demand. 

Senator Comyn said "anyone experiencing abuse should know that support is available" and "no one should feel they have to face this journey on their own."