21,000 domestic violence calls made to gardaí so far this year
Over 21,000 domestic violence calls were made to gardaí so far this year, according to garda figures, an increase on the same period last year.
Over the last number of years, there has been a year-on-year increase in the number of people contacting gardaí about domestic violence.
Last year, gardaí received 65,000 domestic violence calls, a rise of over 10,000 compared to 2023.
There have been 52 prosecutions for coercive control since the beginning of January 2019.
Since the offence of non-fatal strangulation was introduced in November 2023, there has been 67 prosecutions - 58 relating to domestic abuse.
Gardaí say that non-fatal strangulation is a leading indicator of escalating violence in a relationship.
They warned that strangulation can lead to death within 60 seconds.
There have been 12 prosecutions for the new offence of stalking, six of which are related to domestic abuse.
On 'Go Purple Day', gardaí are encouraging people who may be currently suffering Domestic, Sexual or Gender Based Violence to contact them.
The aim of '.
Gardaí are reminding the public that help is always available, and no one should suffer in silence.
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Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Dundalk Gardai and Women's Aid mark Go Purple Day
Over the last number of years, there has been a year-on-year increase in reporting rates of domestic abuse. In 2024, An Garda Síochána received in excess of 65,000 domestic abuse related contacts or an average of 1,250 reports every week. The investigation and prosecution of offenders in the area of domestic and sexual abuse is an absolute priority. For example, following the introduction by Government of additional legislation to assist An Garda Síochána, in 2023 and 2024 Gardai natioanally have helped secure 41 prosecutions for coercive control. Dundalk Domestic Violence unit is staffed by a dedicated team of an inspector, Sergeant and a Garda and they work directly with victims and take over cases after an initial complaint or statement is made to regular uniformed and detective units so their is a continuity of communication for the victims. The Dundalk unit meet with Women's Aid monthly to discuss and review ongoing incidents in a confidential and sensitive environment. Apart from traditional incidents of domestic and sexual abuse, Gardai outline that developments in technology are resulting in control over bank accounts and access to social media accounts. Members of the public as well as Garda personnel nationwide were encouraged to show their support today by wearing something purple. You can support #GoPurpleDay by embracing the colour purple at home, while at work or among friends and family – wear it, paint it - all ideas are welcome. Those getting involved in the initiative are encouraged to share a photo via social media using the hashtag #GoPurpleDay2025.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
DkIT goes purple to raise awareness of Domestic Violence
The event was hosted by the RiVeR Project in DkIT in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Dundalk and DkIT's Students Union. It was fantastic to have representatives from the Dundalk Gardaí on campus to highlight the importance of raising awareness around this issue. DkIT has a strong reputation in supporting awareness around Domestic Abuse. The DkIT RiVeR Project is responding to the impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence through research, education and training. The RiVeR Project Lead Dr. Kathleen Nallen said 'The RiVeR Project is delighted to partner with RESPECT #DkIT, students union DkIT and An Garda Síochána for the annual 'Go Purple Day' to create awareness of Domestic Abuse. It is wonderful to have such support from staff and students across the campus for this really important initiative. In promoting the agenda of zero tolerance of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the RiVeR Project recently launched its 'Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence' Podcast series. It features conversations with experts, advocates and victim/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and is available on the RiVeR Project website and LinkedIn page, DkIT YouTube channel and Spotify'. DkIT is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in their educational community, they endeavour to do this through ongoing training and support around Gender Based Violence that empowers all their students and staff. In November, DkIT was one of the 16 Higher Education Institutes involved in an annual national campaign for the international UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. During last year's 16 Days of activity, DkIT was also pleased to publish their Domestic Violence leave Policy for all employees.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Gardaí initiate 12 prosecutions for stalking in 19 months since it became an offence
Gardaí have initiated 12 prosecutions for the new offence of stalking since it was introduced, while 21,000 domestic abuse-related contacts have been made with the force so far this year. It also said that six of the stalking prosecutions relate to domestic abuse. The figures were released as part of Friday's so-called Go Purple Day, which is the Gardai's national domestic abuse awareness day. They say while there have been over 21,000 domestic abuse-related contacts this year, there were some 65,000 in total last year. As well as the new stalking offence leading to prosecutions, the introduction of a specific offence for coercive control has seen 52 prosecutions since it was introduced in 2019. The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 also saw the introduction of other new standalone offences for stalking, non-fatal strangulation, and non-fatal suffocation. Since the offence of non-fatal strangulation was introduced in November 2023, there have been 67 prosecutions, 58 relating to domestic abuse. Gardai said researchers and law enforcement professionals have determined that 'non-fatal strangulation is a leading indicator of escalating violence in a relationship'. They said it is also a significant risk factor for homicide in women. Gardai said: Some may think that immense effort is required to strangle a person, when in fact strangulation can lead to death within 60 seconds. Go Purple Day was initiated five years ago by a community policing garda Stacey Looby, who was working in Navan at the time, and who had recognised the impact pandemic restrictions were having on people living in fear. She showed how gardaí and domestic abuse support services in Navan could support people to tell them that the restrictions of movement didn't apply to those fleeing domestic abuse. To mark Go Purple Day from 2020 to today, members of the public as well as garda personnel nationwide have been encouraged to show their support by wearing something purple. Gardaí say the most recent domestic abuse statistics 'demonstrate the issue of domestic abuse is still extremely significant in 2025'. Detective Chief Superintendent from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Colm Noonan, said: 'The number of people reaching out to An Garda Síochána is increasing, which we see as a positive reflection of the trust and confidence people have in us. '(But) we also know there are hundreds of people who still can't make that call to their local garda station to let us know that they need help. "If domestic abuse exists in a relationship or in a family, it will always be present. If there is no crisis incident it is not because all is well, it is because the victim has made themselves as compliant as possible. "We know domestic abuse has a cruelty and a relentlessness to it. It destroys every part of a person's life. We want to reassure women, men and children that you are not alone and help is out there.' Read More Four in 10 women have been harassed or felt threatened in sports or exercise, survey reveals
