Free travel scheme for survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will provide safety and dignity for women across Ireland, says Women’s Aid
Tuesday, 28th April 2026: The introduction of a free travel scheme for survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will be a lifeline for many and is an extremely welcome initiative, according to Women’s Aid.
The national organisation, which works to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse including coercive control in Ireland, says the scheme will help those experiencing poverty as a result of their abuse and also give survivors an extra sense of security.
Women’s Aid CEO, Sarah Benson says: “This is an extremely welcome initiative and one that will be very helpful to survivors and the services that support them. We know that many survivors experience poverty as a result of the abuse they are subjected to, and we also know that economic abuse, including restricting access to money and bank accounts is part of domestic abuse and coercive control. The financial aspect is important but free transport can also provide safety and dignity. It can help with some of the stress of attending court or therapeutic services. Women often have to move away from their community, so getting to schools and GP appointments is an extra burden.”
Financial insecurity can trap survivors in unsafe situations and domestic abuse can lead to poverty through financial control, job loss, and housing instability.
One in three women in Ireland have experienced psychological, physical and/or sexual abuse from an intimate partner, research shows. *
Women’s Aid also welcomes the fact that this scheme will be made available to all victims of gender-based violence, including sexual abuse and trafficking.
Ms Benson added: “The free travel scheme will also be of benefit to services all over the country who are currently spending thousands of euro providing travel cards or other forms of transport to women who are accessing their services or living in refuges. It is very welcome that women will be able to access this scheme through the services with which they are already connected.” ENDS
NOTES
- *35% of women in Ireland, more than one in three, have experienced psychological, physical and/or sexual abuse from an intimate partner. (EU gender-based violence survey, Fundamental Rights Agency, 2024).
- For more information contact Christina Sherlock at 087 919 2457 or by email at christina.sherlock@womensaid.ie or Martina Genockey on 086 206 7766 or email at martina.genockey@womensaid.ie.
- Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 or at www.womensaid.ie.
About Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid is a national organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse since 1974. They do this by advocating, influencing, training, and campaigning for effective responses to reduce the scale and impacts of domestic abuse on women and children and providing high-quality, specialised, integrated support services. See www.womensaid.ie.