Contacts made to Gardaí in relation to domestic violence increased by 9% this year.

At the Garda National Protective Services Bureau briefing this afternoon, Gardaí said they have received over 61,000 contacts in relation to domestic violence in 2024.

The Gardaí said 2024 saw an increase in prosecutions under new standalone abuse-related laws.

Non-fatal strangulation became an offence last November and there have since been 51 prosecutions made.

31 of those prosecutions were related to domestic abuse.

A Garda station, Alamy

Stalking also became a stand-alone criminal offence last year and since then, there have been 11 prosecutions.

Six of these prosecutions were in relation to domestic violence.

In terms of coercive control, the past year saw 41 prosecutions.

In addition to domestic violence, the briefing indicated that 700 people have contacted the Gardaí in relation to physical and sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders following the publication of the Scoping Inquiry into historical sexual abuse.

Reporting

At the briefing, Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan urged victims of abuse to contact the Gardaí.

"I urge anyone who has in the past, or may be currently suffering domestic, sexual or gender-based violence to contact any Garda station, or in an emergency, to call 999/112," he said.

"I can assure victims they will be supported and heard."

Detective Noonan also thanked survivors of domestic violence for reporting.

"I want to thank these women, men and children for their bravery and courage in calling us and speaking to us," he said.

"Even where you feel you cannot go ahead with a complaint right now, we can still help you and we will make sure you get the support and assistance you need."

Detective Noonan said Gardaí will continue to work with the Department of Justice to tackle gender-based violence in Ireland.

Feature image shows a hand dialling a phone.