As part of our ongoing advocacy work for those most in need, we were pleased to contribute to the recent conference hosted by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, “Stronger & United—Building Together the Future of Migrant Integration.”
Noel Neenan, from our Information and Advocacy Service, was part of a panel discussion, which looked at the barriers to integration for migrant survivors of Gender Based violence, with a focus on accommodation and social welfare support.
This session explored migrants’ access to housing and social welfare in the context of domestic abuse and how different types of immigration permission may hinder access to such services. The aim was to help identify the issues presented to service providers, outline what solutions should be made available, and discuss how systems already in place are supposed to work.
There was discussion and exploration of serious issues, such as officials failing to use powers to assist victims due to outdated policies and refusals to assist victims due to misinterpretation of legislation, with the result that victims often felt forced to return to abusive relationships and dangerous environments.
Proposed solutions included working with key State actors to implement coordinated policies, procedures and protocols and better training for officials.
The panel included Immigrant Council of Ireland Speaker Elizabeth Peña, Cuan, Noel Neenan, Crosscare and Luiza Tedoldi, Sophia Housing Association.
