Domestic abuse-related Garda callouts have surged by 45% over the past four years, according to newly released figures from An Garda Síochána, reports RTE.
The data, released in response to a parliamentary question from Aontú, reveals that Gardaí responded to over 65,000 incidents of suspected domestic violence in 2024 alone.
In comparison, the number of such callouts in 2020 stood at 44,782. The figures show a consistent annual increase, with nearly 50,000 incidents in 2021, around 54,000 in 2022, and over 60,000 in 2023, culminating in 65,224 calls in 2024, reports RTE.
These incidents include breaches of protection and barring orders, as well as other domestic violence-related situations.
Aontú leader Peader Tóibín expressed alarm at the rise, calling it “shocking”.
“Ireland is becoming a more violent place for women,” he said, reports RTE.
“If the Government doesn’t even acknowledge that domestic violence is a major crisis in Ireland at the moment, and that violence against women is rising, then how can it be serious about tackling the problem,” reports RTE.
In response, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said that tackling domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence remains a core Government priority.
He acknowledged the troubling rise in Garda callouts, noting:
“There has been a steady increase in the reports to An Garda Síochána year-on-year and any increase in reports of domestic violence is deeply concerning,” reports RTE.
The minister also pointed to efforts made to encourage victims to report abuse and seek support.
“There has been significant work undertaken to support victims of Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence to come forward and report these matters, and seek the support they have a right to expect,” he said, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
