Merchants Quay Ireland, the national homeless and addiction charity, has today published a briefing paper calling on the government to support the provision of gender-specific homeless and addiction services for women.

The paper notes that women are often unable or unwilling to access existing services. Higher rates of gender-based violence, sex work and coercive control among women can leave them too ashamed, stigmatised and afraid to seek the help they need. Tragically the average age at death of women who are homeless in Ireland is thirty-eight years of age – six years younger than men.

International research shows that female-only spaces facilitate greater emotional and physical safety for women, especially those who have experienced trauma and abuse.

MQI recommends the urgent delivery of a female-only wellness centre which can respond to the unique and complex challenges faced by women who are experiencing homelessness and addiction.