17 Nov 2025
CIH and Women’s Aid unite to launch Make a Stand pledge in Ireland
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Women’s Aid are proud to announce a new partnership to introduce the Make a Stand pledge to the housing sector in Ireland.
This initiative invites and encourages housing organisations across Ireland to take a clear and proactive stand against domestic abuse.
The Make a Stand pledge enables housing providers to commit to four practical actions:
- Developing and embedding policies to support residents affected by domestic abuse
- Ensuring information about specialist domestic abuse support services is easily accessible
- Developing and putting in place an HR policy to support members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse
- Appointing a senior champion to lead on this work.
Making the pledge and then beginning these steps is designed to be achievable and impactful, helping organisations create safer, more supportive housing environments.
Women’s Aid and CIH are ready to support and advise organisations as they join in this vital work to support and protect those subject to abuse.
‘The right to feel safe’
Caroline Moloney, national director of CIH Ireland, said: “Our partnership with Women’s Aid through the Make a Stand campaign reflects our shared belief that everyone has the right to feel safe in their home. Together, we are committed to supporting housing professionals to play their part in responding effectively to domestic abuse."
Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said: “Once a woman leaves the family home due to an abusive relationship, re-establishing secure housing is one of the most urgent yet difficult issues she faces. Research shows that the path from leaving to secure housing is long and complex. We also know there is an intersection of housing and homelessness with domestic violence which cannot be overlooked.
“Women’s Aid is committed to advocating for better responses to prevent and reduce the scale and impacts of domestic violence and abuse on women and children in Ireland, and this partnership with CIH Ireland will be an important part of that work.”
One in three women in Ireland have been or are subjected to domestic abuse, and housing professionals are uniquely placed to offer support and make a difference. By signing the pledge, housing organisations signal their commitment to recognising the role they can play in offering safety, support and signposting to those being subjected to domestic abuse.
Together, CIH and Women's Aid aim to enable the housing sector to be part of the solution to help ensure that every home can be a place of safety and empowerment.
