Senator Alison Comyn has welcomed new measures introduced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, aimed at making it easier for survivors of domestic abuse to access long-term social housing when relocating for safety reasons.
The new protocol means that victims and survivors who move to another local authority area will be able to retain the time they have already spent on a social housing waiting list, thereby removing the need to restart the processand helping them rebuild their lives more quickly.
“For many women and children fleeing domestic abuse, safe and secure housing is not simply a roof over their heads. It is a vital part of rebuilding their lives and recovering from trauma’” says Senator Comyn. “No survivor should ever have to choose between their safety and their chance of securing long-term housing.”
The new protocol, which takes effect immediately, provides that victims and survivors who meet social housing eligibility criteria can transfer their original qualification date when applying to another local authority. It also allows local authorities to waive local connection requirements where appropriate.
Senator Comyn added:
“This is a compassionate and practical reform that recognises the reality faced by many survivors who need to move away from their local area to be safe. I look forward to seeing how the protocol will be implemented consistently across all local authorities, including clarity around the evidence required to access these supports.”
The protocol was developed following consultation with local authorities and Cuan, the State agency responsible for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and forms part of the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 strategy.
“Providing survivors with the security and stability of long-term housing is a crucial part of helping them rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and hope,” adds Senator Comyn. “I will continue to look at all options for move-on accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse.”
