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A safe place to live in Ireland

You do not need a new home lined up before you leave. Refuges and your local council can help you find somewhere safe for now.

This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.

Who can help

  • Rent Supplement for people leaving domestic violence

    Help to pay rent for private accommodation. For the first 3 months there is no means test and you pay only a minimum contribution.

    Who it is for Anyone experiencing domestic violence who is referred by a domestic violence service funded by Cuan, the state agency for these services.

    First step Ask your local domestic violence support service to refer you for Rent Supplement.

    Good to know It can be extended for 3 more months with a means test. If you will need housing for longer, apply to your local council for social housing support early.

    gov.ie

  • Council homeless services (emergency accommodation)

    Short-term emergency housing arranged by your local council if you are homeless or have nowhere else to stay.

    Who it is for People the council assesses as homeless, for example if you are staying with friends or family because you have nowhere else to go.

    First step Contact the housing section of your local council. Dublin and Cork councils have their own placement services, listed on the page.

    Good to know Contact them even if you do not have ID or other papers. If you are under 18, contact Tusla instead.

    citizensinformation.ie

  • Women's Aid – refuge and housing support

    Information and support on housing, including emergency refuge places. Women's Aid can phone a refuge for you and make housing referrals.

    Who it is for Women, with their children if they have any. A refuge is emergency accommodation for women and children who feel unsafe at home.

    First step Contact the Women's Aid helpline. The refuge will need to speak with you directly before it can offer you a space.

    Good to know Each refuge is run independently and has its own rules.

    womensaid.ie

  • Local domestic and sexual violence services (HSE list)

    A county-by-county list of local services for people affected by domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, including some services for men.

    Who it is for Anyone affected by domestic, sexual or gender-based violence. Each listing says who the service supports, for example women or men.

    First step Find your county on the HSE list and contact the service that fits you.

    www2.hse.ie

  • Social housing: keep your waiting-list time if you move

    If you move to a new area because of domestic violence, the time you spent on a social housing waiting list can be transferred to the new area.

    Who it is for People on a council social housing waiting list who are victims of domestic violence and move to a new area.

    First step Apply for social housing support to the council in your new area.

    citizensinformation.ie

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