Increased numbers of people reporting domestic abuse to Gardaí could reflect public greater awareness, Women’s Aid has said. 

Yesterday, An Garda Síochána revealed 54,000 people have reported domestic violence so far this year - an 8% increase on the same period in 2022. 

“I do think that we need to consider whether a significant factor in increased numbers coming forward actually might reflect something that is a little bit more positive,” Women’s Aid CEO Sarah Benson said. 

“[Maybe] people are more willing to come forward now that Gardaí have worked to make sure that people know domestic abuse is a policing priority.”

'They will be supported and heard'

A Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Tool is now operational in all Garda regions and Domestic Abuse Protective Programmes are currently being expanded. 

Gardaí are also trying to raise more awareness of the crime of Female Genital Mutilation. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan said the force is “fully committed” to supporting victims of gender based violence and prosecuting the crimes they report. 

“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. I can assure victims that they will be supported and heard,” he said. 

“By fully exposing these crimes, as well as constantly improving our policing response, we can help reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse and gender based violence in our society.”

Main image: A shadow of a man as a woman cowers in the corner. This image has been posed. Picture by: Dominic Lipinski/PA Archive/PA Images