Minister Dara Calleary announces the introduction of Domestic Violence Travel Supplement

• New measure to provide free travel for victims of domestic violence
• The Travel supplement ensures immediate no fuss access to this support for victims of domestic violence with their travel needs

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has today announced the introduction of a Travel Supplement protocol for victims of domestic violence. In Effect from Tuesday May 5th, this will ensure that those fleeing domestic violence have the necessary financial support to meet their immediate travel needs.

Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a major priority for the Government. The Programme for Government includes a number of commitments in this regard. Establishing a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence is vital for safeguarding individuals and promoting a safer society and is supported by the implementation of the actions in the Zero Tolerance Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

Raised by Senator Patricia Stephenson in the Seanad , the Government agreed to work with the Senator and stakeholder groups to find a solution that would support those fleeing domestic violence.

Following consultation, the Department of Social Protection will provide a travel supplement to those fleeing domestic violence without the need for a means test during the first three months.

After the first three months have passed, a person may be provided with a further three-month extension of the Travel Supplement; subject to the usual means assessment alongside a review of a person’s eligibility.

This approach mirrors the successful scheme for providing Rent Supplement to victims of domestic violence.

To apply for the Domestic Violence Travel Supplement, a person will need to declare that they are a victim of domestic violence as part of their application for support.

Speaking today, Minister Calleary 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 those the members of Cuan, Women’s Aid, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and SafeIreland that 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.”

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, the department may award a weekly or monthly supplement to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. This can include a Travel Supplement, which may be paid where a customer has a recurring essential travel expense, for example ongoing travel costs for hospital visits.

As with the existing Travel Supplement, levels of payment under the Domestic Violence Travel Supplement will depend on the individual circumstance and requirements of the applicant and the additional costs incurred for essential journeys, including if relevant, fuel costs associated with the use of their own motor vehicle. There are no set rates.

These payments will be administered by Community Welfare Officers who will require confirmation from one of the organisations/individuals below to process the claim:

• • a referral from a Cuan funded service provider,
  • a copy of a Court Order, such as a Barring, Safety or Protection Order
  • written evidence from:
• A member of An Garda Síochána
• A health care professional, e.g. GP, public health nurse
• A registered social worker
• A legal advisor
• A family support worker

In instances where a customer may not have immediate access to the required confirmation, which may cause delays in payment, the Department can provide an Additional Needs Payment immediately.