Press release
Minister McEntee details extra funding for DSGBV service providers
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced details of additional funding for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) services for 2023.
Much of the additional €6.8 million is being made available through a targeted call to established DSGBV service providers already funded through Tusla.
Minister McEntee said:
“This amount of additional funding being provided to domestic, sexual and gender based violence services for 2023 is unprecedented.
“Under Budget 2023 I secured an additional €9 million for combatting DSGBV, which represents a 22pc increase. It is my intention that every person who needs a refuge space will have access to one, and this extra €6.8 million for Tusla will be used to maintain existing services, to address existing acute demand, and for the enhancement and development of new services.
“This record level of funding will also support the implementation of Zero Tolerance, our Third National Strategy on DSGBV, which I launched in late June.”
The additional allocation includes a 6pc increase to all domestic and sexual violence services funded by Tusla to address rising cost pressures, amounting to a total of approximately €1.75 million.
Tusla-funded DSGBV organisations will be invited to submit requirements or proposals for additional funding in a number of areas including:
Approximately €1.1 million for safe accommodation will be focused on the priority locations identified under the Third National Strategy.
Minister McEntee added:
“In general terms the funding announced today will increase the ability of organisations on the frontline to support victims, which is especially important given the rise in those seeking help.
“This Includes additional funding which is being made available through a targeted call to established DSGBV service providers already funded through Tusla.
“There is an emphasis on supporting projects to address geographic need, for those with additional vulnerabilities or complex needs, and for supports for young people who have experienced sexual violence.
“Tusla will contact the relevant organisations directly with details of how to apply.”
In total, Tusla has been allocated €37 million for funding DSGBV services in 2023 which includes the additional €6.8 million Minister McEntee was able to secure. Separate to the funding of DSGBV services, the Department of Justice has allocated €6.09 million for other measures to tackle DSGBV, including through awareness raising campaigns and funding for perpetrator programmes, which are targeted intervention programmes to hold perpetrators to account and work to prevent future reoffending.
The Department of Justice has allocated a further €5.8 million to promote and assist the development of specific support services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system, including victims of domestic and sexual crime.
Tusla-funded DSGBV sector organisations will be contacted and invited to submit requirements through proposals for additional funding.
Submissions that evidence need and/or successful outcomes, and those which demonstrate collaborative approaches will be particularly welcome.
There will be a particular priority on achieving targeted responses to address unmet need geographically and/or for those with additional vulnerabilities or complex needs.
Submissions that support therapeutic responses to young people who have experienced sexual violence/abuse are encouraged from organisations that have the capacity to provide these services to a high standard.
Developments that provide for sustainability into service delivery are encouraged.