Domestic abuse reports to Gardai triple in decade

Domestic abuse calls have tripled over the course of a decade, new statistics have found.

11,675 reports were made of domestic violence to Gardaí in the first three months of 2024, with figures jumping to nearly 50,000 reports last year.

In 2013, there were 14,264 reports of domestic violence, with that number jumping up to 46,539 in 2023.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said that far too many children are witnessing domestic violence in their own homes, telling Newstalk ‘many children are left in family situations where they themselves are witnessing abuse.

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

Mr Tóibín said that 128 Gardaí are being called out on domestic abuse calls daily, saying that there’s been a ‘collapse in Garda numbers’ and calling on the government to increase resources for families suffering from domestic abuse.

‘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,’ Mr Tóibín 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.’

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín. Credit: RollingNews.ie

The figures come as law barrister and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhúrchú said earlier this year that women experiencing domestic abuse should have access to free legal aid, regardless of their means to apply for barring orders.

Ms Ní Mhurchú said that it can cost women ‘hundreds of euros’ to get a barring order against an abuser if their legal representation is not paid for by the State with free legal aid.

You must have an annual disposable income of less than €18,000 and disposable assets of less than €100,000 to qualify for free legal aid.

‘Victims may not qualify on paper but in reality, they have little or no control over their finances due to coercive control,’ she said. ‘Those who do not qualify for legal aid often do not proceed with their application for protection, thereby prolonging the mental torture for themselves and very often young children.’

‘I have represented countless domestic violence victims over the years. They have to know that they can turn to the courts for protection. Means or lack thereof should not be a barrier to protection for vulnerable victims and their families,’ Ms Ní Mhurchú said.

‘Victims of domestic violence should not have to face an additional financial barrier in order to seek and obtain a protection order in court nor have to contribute to the cost of civil legal aid when they apply for court protection.’

Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900.

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.