Big increase in women seeking protection orders in Carlow and Kilkenny

THE number of women who sought protection orders from courts in Carlow and Kilkenny increased by almost one-third in 2025, according to Amber Refuge’s annual report, while the domestic abuse support organisation has projected a €70,000 funding gap by the end of the year.

The report prompted Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, to call for sufficient funding for domestic violence services so that they have the resources to support every woman and child who seeks help.

Nearly 100 women in Carlow and Kilkenny sought support from Amber last year before, during and after a court session. Carlow District Court granted 11 domestic abuse orders to women receiving support from Amber.

There was also an increase of 16% in the number of women (635) who contacted Amber through the organisation’s 24/7 helpline and its drop-in support service in Kilkenny. Of these women, the majority experienced controlling and abusive behaviour from their partner, nearly a third experienced abuse from an ex-partner and 9% said the abuse came from a family member.

Three-quarters of women sought support for emotional, financial and/or physical abuse and a fifth said they had experienced coercive control, technological abuse and stalking.

This data “shows the importance of how all abuse is not actually physical, and all types of abuse must be taken seriously,” the MEP said.

Forty-seven women and their 51 children received emergency accommodation and support at Amber’s refuge in Kilkenny in 2025. Due to space constraints, 129 women who had enquired about emergency refuge could not access it at the time because the refuge was full.

A project to create a ten-unit refuge facility for women and children in Carlow has received funding approval by the government and is now at the pre-planning stage.

The housing and cost of living crises have caused “an increased financial strain on already vulnerable women and children, leaving them more susceptible to abusive relationships and homes,” said Lisa Morris, manager of Amber Domestic Abuse CLG. These factors limit “women’s ability to escape abusive relationships and, in turn, remain out of those relationships,” she explained.

The financial sustainability of the organisation continues to be a key concern, said Lisa. It is projecting a shortfall of €70,000 in funding to the end of this year.

According to the report, core annual funding – which now comes from Cuan, the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency – did not pay for several staff roles and key activities in Amber last year. Individuals donated less than half the amount in 2025 compared to the year prior.

The organisation is increasingly reliant on fundraising and income from grants, trusts and foundations to meet its annual funding shortfall.

“Funding for these services must be able to keep up with the growing demand. They cannot be expected to do more with less, while the number and complexity of cases continue to rise,” noted Ms Funchion.

The MEP called on central government to provide “sustained, multi-annual funding and ensure housing, legal supports, and the justice system work effectively for those fleeing abuse”.