Incidents of domestic abuse have increased in Ireland significantly over the past year, a new report published by gardai shows. According to the report, there were 48,400 incidents reported in 2021, which is 10% up from 2020.
Gardai said there were also 8,600 charges for crimes involving an element of domestic abuse in 2021, up 13% on the previous 12 months.
Charges brought for domestic abuse crimes also increased in 2021, where 4,250 criminal charges for breaches of domestic abuse crimes were brought by gardai. This is 6% increase from previous year.
Gardai had launched a special operation named Operation Faoiseamh to investigate domestic abuse incidents in the country back in April 2020. There were data which showed that domestic abuses increased significantly during lock down periods.
The operation have took place in five phases so far. In the latest phase which started on 8th December, 2021 and ended on January 5th, 2022, gardai brought 122 cases for prosecution.
Gardai continue to work to make people safe from domestic abuse and the victims can contact gardai any time for support, Garda Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan said in light of the report.
“I would ask once again, if you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, please make contact with An Garda Siochana. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112.” he said.