Gardaí report 9% increase in domestic-abuse cases so far this year 

There has been a 9% increase in the number of reports of domestic abuse in 2024, An Garda Síochána say.

The figures, released by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), show 61,000 domestic-abuse contacts received by An Garda Síochána to date this year.

The Garda findings reveal that 700 people have contacted gardaí about physical and sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. This follows the publication of the ‘scoping report’ into historical abuse in schools run by religious orders.

The GNPSB continue to investigate organised-crime groups engaged in prostitution and human trafficking. 

An Garda Síochána also support the ‘Game Changer’ project, an initiative run by Ruhama, the GAA, and White Ribbon Ireland. It challenges beliefs around domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence by creating awareness.

Prosecutions

The GNPSB also said there has been an increase in prosecutions under new domestic-abuse legislation: 51 prosecutions for the new offence of non-fatal strangulation have commenced since this offence was introduced in November, 2023, 35 of which were domestic abuse.

There have been 11 prosecutions for stalking, since this offence was introduced on November 1, 2023, six of which were related to domestic abuse. There have been 41 prosecutions for coercive control in 2023 and 2024.

Bravery

Cork-based Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan said: “Every single hour of every single day, members of An Garda Síochána respond at homes where we provide help, support, and reassurance to victims; women, men and children who are living through domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.

“I want to thank these women, men, and children for their bravery and courage in calling us and speaking to us. Even where you feel you cannot go ahead with a complaint right now, we can still help you and we will make sure you get the support and assistance you need.

“I urge anyone who has, in the past, or may be currently suffering domestic, sexual, or gender-based violence, to contact any Garda station, or, in an emergency, to call 999/112.”