Independent Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly is calling on Dublin City Council to prioritise housing lists based on domestic violence incidents reported.
She believes that families victims of domestic violence should be prioritised during the selection process.
She said: “It’s not acceptable that Dublin City Council do not record specific incidents of people presenting because of domestic violence.
“There is no priority given for families fleeing a violent home and in a lot of cases many victims are forced to return to the perpetrator.
“In most cases this is women and children, and women just won’t see their children homeless so enduring the suffering at home.”
Cllr Reilly highlighted that incidents of domestic violence have increased significantly over the last two years but there has been no increase in accommodation or shelter provided for victims.
“The fact that DCC don’t even record their cases shows a total lack of urgency around the issue. We have no concrete facts at Dublin City Council level on how bad the problem is, she added.
“In a response I also received from the Minister today it shows a very hands-off approach from the Government which isn’t good enough.
“The state agencies are not doing enough for Domestic Violence Victims in providing them a safe, secure home.”
A council spokesperson told Dublin Live: "Dublin City Council has a strong record of dealing with domestic violence incidents in a proactive, supportive and empathetic way and has regular contact with arrangements with DV services.
"The fact that it is not specifically recorded in data should not be taken as a reflection of how serious we take these matters. The assessment is set down in national legislation so any changes to the process is a matter for national policy change.
"Victims of domestic violence with an acute housing need are routinely approved for short-term HAP and may apply to our Social Work Department for a priority on Exceptional Social Grounds."
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