Gardaí dealt with 128 domestic abuse incidents every day last year, new figures show

Instances of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence has increased in each of the past 10 years, and is on course to rise again in 2024

Gardaí dealt with an average of 128 domestic abuse incidents every day last year, shocking new figures have revealed.

The number of such incidents has increased in each of the past 10 years, more than trebling from 14,264 in 2014 to 46,539 last year.

The latest figures have been described as “extremely alarming” and have led to calls for “stronger and harsher punishments” for abusers.

Cuan, a statutory agency dedicated to reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, was established on January 1. However, the number of domestic abuse incidents is on course to increase again, with 11,675 recorded during the first quarter.

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“It’s extremely alarming that we’ve seen an increase in domestic violence callouts each year,” said Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín. “While the new agency, Cuan, is welcome, we must ensure it’s properly funded and resourced.”

The figures extracted from the Garda PULSE system were provided to Mr Tóibín by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee this week in response to a parliamentary question.

They show that the largest number of domestic abuse incidents – 1,140 – were recorded in the Western Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) last year. This was followed by the Northern DMR, where 962 such incidents were reported.

Outside of the capital, the largest number was recorded in Meath/Westmeath, where 780 incidents were recorded, and this was followed by Louth/Cavan/Monaghan with 736.

The lowest number was recorded in West Cork, where 139 domestic-abuse incidents occurred, while 167 were reported in Sligo/Leitrim, 270 in Kerry, and 292 in the Eastern DMR.

Mr Tóibín told the Irish Mirror that a “zero tolerance” policy was required in relation to domestic violence, and “that means stronger and harsher punishments and penalties for abusers”, he added.

“We need more capacity and beds in our refuge services and a better awareness campaign around domestic violence and how victims can get help – I know that some supermarkets have a helpline number on grocery receipts, which is a fantastic idea.

“Domestic violence is an appalling form of abuse in our country where victims are made to feel that they can’t escape.”

Ms McEntee said combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) was an “absolute priority” for her, the Government, and the Garda commissioner.

“Under Budget 2025, I was pleased to announce that DSGBV funding has increased to €70 million, of which €67 million is allocated to Cuan. This more than triples the funding for DSGBV services from when I first became minister for justice,” she said.

The Government has also introduced legislation making non-fatal strangulation and stalking standalone offences, as well as increasing the maximum penalty for assault causing harm from five to 10 years.

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