Calls to gardaí about domestic abuse rise by 18% this year
AN Garda Síochána has recorded an 18% increase to date this year in calls for assistance in respect of domestic related issues compared to 2019.
A total of 15,320 contacts or attempts at contact to victims of domestic abuse were recorded between January 1 and October 12.
The figures were revealed as the gardaí announced the commencement of phase three of Operation Faoiseamh, which will again see the Force prioritise citizens vulnerable to and victims of domestic abuse.
This phase will see An Garda Síochána combine the actions of the previous phases and proactively reach out and make contact with previous victims to provide reassurance, support and to offer the assistance of local and specialised resources, with a renewed focus on the enforcement of court orders and the prosecution of offenders.
The gardaí continue to treat all instances of domestic abuse as a priority and again have re-enforced their commitment to ‘keeping people safe’, and in particular the victims of domestic and sexual abuse. The vulnerable and victims of abuse will continue to receive the highest priority response from An Garda Síochána.
Key statistics emerging from Operation Faoiseamh to date include:
• An Garda Síochána has recorded an 18% (as of October 19) year on year increase to date in calls for assistance in respect of domestic related issues between 2019/20.
• A total of 15,320 (as of October 122020) contacts or attempts at contact to victims of domestic abuse have been recorded as part of Operation Faoiseamh – for incidents which have been reported between January 1 and October 12.
• There has been a year to date increase in detections for offences relating to breaches of court orders obtained pursuant to relevant provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, 2018 of 14.7%.
• Between May 13 and May 27, there were 107 prosecutions connected to Operation Faoiseamh – Phase II.
With regulations in force to restrict movement of people, the gardaí have reiterated that travel restrictions do not apply in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person.
Speaking in advance of the commencement of Operation Faoiseamh – Phase 3, Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services Bureau, stated: “Prior to the commencement of Operation Faoiseamh I assured those victims experiencing domestic abuse that An Garda Síochána were available to assist you in this difficult time. An Garda Síochána are mindful of the fear and concern some in our community may have at this time.
“I wish to take this opportunity to re-emphasise our commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society. Operation Faoiseamh has been established to ensure you are safe, if you feel threatened or are in fear please contact us and we will respond quickly and robustly.
“If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.”