Gardai have received 49,250 reports of domestic violence so far in 2022, up 9% from the same period last year.
Shocking statistics also reveal that since 2020, there have been a total of 481 incidents of coercive control have been recorded.
An Garda Siochana claimed that despite this, officers are now better equipped to handle the situation because the vast majority have received crucial training in the field.
A spokesman added: “Under Operation Faoiseamh, the vulnerable and victims of abuse, will continue to receive the highest priority response from An Garda Siochana.”
It has introduced measures to tackle domestic violence, including:
- Specific training in coercive control which has been delivered to over 90% of Garda members who are our first line responders
- A risk evaluation tool that is now operational in three of the four Garda regions to help frontline officers to assess the risk posed to a victim
- The Domestic Abuse Protective Programmes in collaboration with external partners to provide an immediate response is being expanded, and
- Additional training and communication is provided for all operational members on the application and prosecution of domestic violence orders.
Det Chief Supt Colm Noonan, of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, said yesterday the force is “unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims”.
He added: “The Christmas period is an enjoyable time for the majority of citizens but An Garda Siochana understands the fear and concern some in our community have in their own homes, which can be further heightened at this time of year. “By fully exposing these crimes, as well as constantly improving our policing response and wider policies, we can help reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse in our society.”