A new Garda crime report shows that the majority of murders last year were motivated by domestic abuse.

The new report, which includes an analysis of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, was published this morning.

The report shows that the number of murders recorded in Ireland is falling – but for the first time on record, the majority of murders (52%) last year were motivated by domestic abuse.

In one-third of those murders, the victims were in a relationship with or married to the offender.

Gardaí began recording the stats in 2013.

There was also an almost 400% increase in domestic abuse motivations for crimes recorded between 2020 and 2021.

This includes homicide, sexual violence, attempts or threats to murder and harassment.

The data also shows that domestic abuse primarily affects females – 77% of domestic cases are women, while 23% are men.

Meanwhile, the number of domestic abuse incidents peaked at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, Gardai said the figures have remained high ever since.

Gardaí said they receive around 150 calls a day related to domestic abuse.

In the year to last Sunday, September 18th, there had been 37,435 calls reporting domestic abuse.

Sarah Parsons, Principal Officer at the Garda Síochána Analysis Service, said that, while the increase is concerning, it does mean more people are coming forward and reporting domestic abuse.

“Some of this is an increased reporting rate, and we are not worried about these figures increasing because we want people to come forward and we encourage people to come forward,” she said.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Colm Noonan said the new data will allow Gardaí to respond to domestic abuse cases in a better way.

“Gardaí are now receiving bespoke training when it comes to domestic abuse and the training that they are receiving is focusing in on what do you need to consider,” he said.

“We now have this body of information which allows us to understand domestic abuse incidents better.”