Domestic abuse cases increased by 20,000 in the last four years

Domestic abuse cases are rising in Ireland

A new report has found that the number of emergency calls being made to Gardaí has risen from 44,782 in 2020 to 65,224 in 2024.

Advocates are now calling on the Government to do more than build more refuge spaces for victims.

They believe that Ireland needs to "embed a full infrastructural response."

Following the release of the harrowing figures, Safe Ireland's Mary McDermott said:

"We are very, very concerned that there will be a focus on refuge building at the expense of the real response to domestic violence on the ground at a local level as is needed."

"More has to be done – the Government must take this seriously and create pathways in and out of refuge."

"We are really, really worried about this because if you are only building refuge, you are simply building cul-de-sacs," McDermott added.

McDermott acknowledged that the figures have also risen because more victims are able to come forward.

"We can see gardaí have improved their capacity to take domestic violence reporting seriously and record it accurately, meaning better systems for recognising and responding to domestic violence.

"Those answering the phones to the victims are now fully trained in domestic violence sensitivity."

She said they're also not dismissing victims "which, unfortunately, was a problem."

Calls to introduce domestic violence registry in Ireland

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has stressed that introducing a domestic violence registry in Ireland is a priority.

Jennifer Poole's family has been fighting to introduce a similar law to the UK’s Clare’s Law.

The legislation would be named Jennie’s Law in honour of the late Jennifer Poole.

Jennifer Poole tragically died after her ex-partner Gavin Murphy attacked her.

Jennifer Poole died in hospital after a violent attack at her apartment in Finglas in April 2021.

She was rushed to Connolly Hospital but died a short time later. Her cause of death was haemorrhage and shock due to multiple stab wounds.

Gavin Murphy pleaded guilty to her murder and is now serving a life sentence in prison.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said introducing the law is a ‘priority’.

The Sunday World reports: “Establishing a zero tolerance approach to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence is vital for safeguarding individuals and promoting a safer society.

“The Programme for Government commits to working with An Garda Siochana to ensure a person in an intimate relationship can be informed of a serious risk to them where a new partner has a history of domestic violence.”

Minister O’Callaghan added that he’s committed to addressing this important issue as a matter of priority.

Call the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week