Social housing policy reform needed to protect Mayo victims of domestic violence

SONAS, Ireland’s largest provider of domestic violence services, is calling on the government and local authorities, including Mayo County Council, to introduce urgent reforms to housing policy that would ensure perpetrators of domestic violence are removed from the family home, rather than forcing women and children to leave.

Sonas is urging immediate interim action through local authorities. Specifically, the organisation is calling for the introduction of a clause in council housing contracts nationwide that would allow for the removal and rehousing of perpetrators of domestic violence, ensuring victims can remain safely in their homes.

Speaking on the issue, Sonas CEO Fiona O’Malley said: “While we recognise that legislative reform can take time, there are practical steps that can and should be taken now.

“No woman or child should be forced to leave their home because of violence perpetrated against them. The system must shift its focus to holding perpetrators accountable, rather than displacing victims.”

Sonas has highlighted several key reasons why this approach is both practical and necessary:

Protecting stability for women and children: Remaining in their homes would spare families the disruption, emotional distress, and uncertainty associated with moving into refuges or emergency accommodation, often followed by homelessness.

Reducing pressure on services: Domestic violence refuges and safe houses are designed for short-term stays, typically up to three months, and are not a long-term housing solution. Keeping families in their homes would ease pressure on already overstretched services.

Cost-effectiveness: Rehousing a single perpetrator is significantly less costly for local authorities than rehousing an entire family.

Maintaining vital community supports: Staying in the home allows women and children to retain access to schools, GPs, community networks, and other essential supports.

Reducing psychological trauma: Avoiding forced displacement can significantly lessen the long-term emotional and psychological impact on victims of domestic violence.

Sonas emphasises that this proposal represents a fairer, safer, and more sustainable approach to addressing domestic violence within the housing system.

“We are asking policymakers and local authorities to act decisively,” added Ms O’Malley. “By introducing these measures, Ireland can take a meaningful step towards protecting victims, reducing harm, and ensuring that those responsible for violence - not those subjected to it - face the consequences.”