A Donegal woman was required to sign a contract with her husband in order to receive €100 a week, a meeting has heard.
The shocking revelation was made during an in-depth presentation today by a representative of the Donegal Domestic Violence Services (DDVS). Fiona Jordan was speaking at the monthly meeting of the Donegal Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) at County House in Lifford.
She cited the lack of suitable, and affordable, housing in the county as one of the main reasons women don’t leave abusive partners. However, she added, most victims of domestic violence are ‘financially dependent on men’.
“One (Donegal) woman was recently asked by her husband to sign a contract so that she could get €100 a week from him,” Ms Jordan said.
Leaving an abusive relationship is ‘extremely difficult’, she added, stating that most women only leave a partner when the risk to her and her children is highest.
“Maybe this (risk) is when an assault or threat to life occurs or when Gardaí have been called.”
However, Ms Jordan stressed that housing is the biggest obstacle facing Donegal women who want to escape an abusive relationship.
“We have some sheltered housing around the county, but it is extremely important that the narrative in the media and public is that we can help provide women and children with somewhere safe,” she said.
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“The lack of safe housing is one of the main challenges facing us. We have some refuge with our own houses, but we are really under pressure as a service and a lot of our staff are spending more time in court providing support to victims. And that is taking away from our one-to-one services.”
DCSP chairman, Cllr Gerry McMonagle, said they will be meeting with DDVS soon in relation to creating more pathways for housing and making more houses available.
“I also spoke to the council about another offer from an approved housing body, and the council is taking that on board,” he said.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Donegal Domestic Violence Services (DDVS) 24-hour helpline on 1800 262677.