More than 21,000 domestic violence-related calls have been made to gardaí so far this year, according to official figures — a rise compared to the same period in 2024, reports RTE.
In recent years, there has been a consistent annual increase in the number of individuals reaching out to gardaí about domestic abuse.
Last year, the total number of domestic violence calls reached 65,000, which was over 10,000 more than in 2023, reports RTE.
Since coercive control became a criminal offence in January 2019, there have been 52 related prosecutions.
Following the introduction of non-fatal strangulation as a specific offence in November 2023, 67 prosecutions have taken place — 58 of them involving domestic violence cases, reports RTE.
Gardaí have highlighted that non-fatal strangulation is often a strong predictor of escalating violence within relationships.
They also cautioned that strangulation can prove fatal in under a minute, reports RTE.
Twelve prosecutions have been brought under the new stalking offence, half of which are tied to domestic abuse.
As part of ‘Go Purple Day’, gardaí are encouraging anyone currently experiencing Domestic, Sexual or Gender-Based Violence to come forward, reports RTE.
The day aims to increase awareness around domestic abuse and highlight the range of support services available.
Gardaí reiterated that support is always accessible and urged the public: no one should have to endure abuse in silence, reports RTE.
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