The removal of cash services from local towns and villages would be a serious blow to women and men experiencing domestic violence.
That's according to a DV specialist at Longford Women's Link, a week on from the AIB cashless branch controversy.
The bank reversed its decision to remove cash and ATM services from 70 locations nationwide, including 4 local branches following intense backlash.
Financial abuse can take the form of a lack of access to bank accounts and funds, to the close monitoring and questioning of the victims' behaviours by the abuser.
Natalie O’Reilly says women and men living through financial control and abuse rely on access to cash in order to protect both themselves and their families:
"This is not about poverty, this is about professional women who earn a wage but do not have financial autonomy that they can't access their own money to buy the basic necessities.
If we throw in the rural context of domestic violence and financial control, it is even harder for women to access cash as banks in these areas are the only source and means to access cash."
Anyone affected by the story can contact 24-hour support from the National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900
