Reports of domestic abuse to Gardaí have more than tripled in a decade. 

In 2013, there were 14,264 reports of domestic abuse and by 2023 that figure had reached 46,539. 

In the first three months of 2024, there were 11,675 incidents reported to Gardaí. 

Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín said far too many children are witnessing violent abuse in their own homes. 

“Many children are left in family situations where they themselves are witnessing abuse,” he said. 

“Many of these children will be conditioned to believe that violence and abuse is a manner in which conflict or difficulties are resolved.” 

A stock illustration highlighting domestic violence. Image: Artit Oubkaew / Alamy

On average, 128 Gardaí are called out to domestic violence incidents every day and Deputy Tóibín said more resources are needed to tackle the problem. 

“I think that the Government are not doing nearly enough in relation to trying to protect women and families in this country at the moment,” he said. 

“There’s been a collapse in the Garda numbers during the term of this Minister for Justice, a serious lack of resources for interventions for families who are suffering from domestic violence. 

“So, the less we start to tackle this and make societal changes… unfortunately we’re going to see the figures rise in the future.” 

'Zero Tolerance'

Minister Helen McEntee described tackling domestic violence as her “absolute priority”. 

In 2022, the Government announced a 'Zero Tolerance' strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. 

“A significant objective has been to encourage victims of domestic violence to come forward and to report the crimes that are being committed against them,” Minister McEntee said. 

“This is an important step because historically there has been an under-reporting of domestic, sexual and gender based violence. 

“I welcome that more people who have been impacted are coming forward, reporting what has happened to them and accessing supports.”

In Budget 2025, the Government increased funding to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to €70 million.

Main image: Staged file photo depicts a domestic violence situation. Picture by: Prostock-studio / Alamy Stock Photo