Speaking following the launch of a domestic violence awareness campaign by Sonas Housing and Meath Women's Refuge to highlight the impact of verbal abuse, Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, called on NAMA to make housing available to victims of domestic abuse to enable them to leave their abuser.

"Domestic violence comes in many guises and it is essential that we lift the lid on this issue and let women, and men, in abusive relationships know that they are not alone in their attempts to face down abuse.

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"For many who find themselves in this situation, building up the courage to leave is frequently off-set by the reality of having no place else to go. At present in Dun Laoghaire, if you are in social housing and a domestically abusive relationship which you are forced to leave, the victim is the one forced to seek alternative shelter.

"Aside from its commercial remit, NAMA has a social objective that aims to contribute to a better society and sustainable communities. With this in mind, I believe the Agency should ear-mark a number of housing units for use by victims of domestic violence who wish to break away from their situation to begin an independent life free from abuse."

(CD/GK)