Calleary announces travel supplement for domestic violence victims

The Government have announced the introduction of a Travel Supplement for victims of domestic violence, which will be in effect from May 5.

​The supplement aims to ensure that people who are fleeing domestic violence can access immediate travel needs through financial support.

​Senator Patricia Stephensan raised the issue of domestic violence support in the Seanad, and the Programme for Government has a number of commitments to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

​The supplement will be provided by the Department of Social Protection without a means test for the first three months.

​Following the first three months, the person can be provided with a further extension, after the usual means assessment and eligibility status.

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To apply for the Domestic Violence Travel Supplement, the person must declare that they are a victim as part of their application.

​Minister Dara Calleary, who announced the introduction of the new supplement, said: “For anyone experiencing domestic violence, the decision to leave is never easy and too often, practical barriers like the cost of travel can stand in the way of safety. That is simply not acceptable.

​“That is why I am introducing a new Domestic Violence Travel Supplement – a measure that I believe will make a real and immediate difference in people’s lives.

“The travel supplement ensures immediate, no-fuss access to this support for victims of domestic violence with their travel needs.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of Cuan, Women’s Aid, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and SafeIreland who have engaged on this matter with officials from my department and provided their invaluable input.

“My officials will continue to work with these stakeholders to make information on the range of supports available from my department, readily accessible for victims of domestic violence.

“I would like to thank Senator Patricia Stephenson for highlighting this issue last October with her draft bill on Free Travel and Domestic Violence.”