Many homes at Christmas time can be a place of abuse, pain and sadness, according to Justice Minister Simon Harris.
He was speaking as the 'Still Here' campaign is reminding victims of domestic violence that help and support continues to be available over Christmas and the new year.
A national awareness campaign is being relaunched and will run over the holiday period.
It was developed in April 2020 to inform and reassure people that supports and services are always available to those at-risk, or experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The campaign will run on radio, TV, streaming video and audio services - such as Spotify and YouTube - as well as on social media to reach the widest audience possible.
'They are not on their own'
Minister Harris said people need to know they are not alone.
"In many ways it feels like this is the first Christmas since we've emerged from the shadow of a global pandemic," he said.
"For most of us, Christmas means perhaps spending time at home with loved ones - and we think of a time of warmth of laughter and of joy.
"Tragically though we do know that this is not the case for many homes.
"For some people their home is sadly a place of abuse, of pain and of sadness.
"When they think of their home, and when they think of the Christmas period, they're filled with dread.
"I want victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to know that they are not on their own, particularly at this time of year.
"An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other services - including the vital supports provided by our community and voluntary sector - are still here for you over the Christmas period."
'Especially at Christmas'
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "An Garda Síochána is unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders.
"We are focused on a number of operational areas that we believe will enhance how individual Gardaí respond to victims and incidents of domestic abuse to ensure that no matter where a person lives, the service and protection they receive from An Garda Síochána will always be of a consistently high standard.
"This is true all year round and especially so at Christmas."
The adverts were developed by the Department of Justice, in collaboration with a number of frontline services who work directly with victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Information on services and supports is available at stillhere.ie
Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact Women’s Aid on 1800-341-900, the Male Advice Line at 1800-816-588 or the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800-77-8888. In an emergency, call 999 or 112
