More than 15,000 domestic violence callouts in Cork in five years

Gardaí responded to more than 15,000 domestic violence callouts in Cork city between 2021 and 2025 — a 51% increase from the first year to the last.

The figures, provided by justice minister Jim O’Callaghan show that gardaí responded to 15,049 domestic violence callouts in Cork city, and 11,052 in Cork county, during the five-year period.

In 2021, there were 2,349 incidents in Cork city and 1,799 in Cork county, rising in 2025 to 3,545 in the city and 2,580 in the county. While there was a 51% increase in the city, there was a 43% jump in the county, for a rise of 48% overall in Cork.

The figures were provided to Aontú in response to a parliamentary question. The party’s Fermoy-based councillor, Peter O’Donoghue, described them as “truly alarming”.

“These are not just faceless statistics,” Mr O’Donoghue told The Echo.

“Each one of these is a person who has been subjected to violence and, sadly, we are seeing a coarsening in society, where victims of murder are now more often those affected by domestic violence rather than by gang-related crime.”

“It is crucial to enact legislative reform, including a mandatory minimum sentence for serious cases, so sentencing guideline changes are firmly established in law,” said Mr O’Donoghue.

If someone abuses their partner so severely that it causes a miscarriage, threatens their children, or tries to silence the victim, such actions warrant sentences that reflect the seriousness of the crime, he said.

Mary Clare Clark, chief executive of support group West Cork Beacon, told The Echo that an increase in Garda callouts does not mean an increase in domestic violence.

Ms Clark said: “It can also reflect greater awareness, increased confidence in reporting abuse, and a broader understanding of what domestic violence includes.

“We are seeing a parallel rise in client-related activity across support services, alongside a growing incidence of digitally-facilitated abuse, such as stalking, harassment, and coercive control.

“Since coercive control became a criminal offence, more survivors are recognising these behaviours as abuse and seeking Garda support earlier.

“What the figures clearly show is a sustained demand for Garda responses and specialist services, and the ongoing need for investment in long-term supports for victims of domestic abuse,” she said.

Mr O’Callaghan said that domestic violence was an “absolute priority” for him, his department, and the Gardaí. 

“I am cognisant that the data provided by An Garda Síochána records a steady increase in reported calls, year on year.

“While any increase in reported cases of domestic violence is deeply concerning, there is evidence that a greater number of people feel more confident to come forward with a criminal complaint, share their experience, and seek the support they have a right to expect.

“Although the volume is of great concern, this increased confidence is welcome.”

Mr O’Callaghan said a key objective of the Government’s zero-tolerance strategy is to encourage victims of domestic and sexual violence to come forward. He said: “This is an important step, because, historically, there has been significant under-reporting of such crimes” and he said that his department is working with the criminal justice system to strengthen trust, so victims will come forward.

“I want to reassure anyone who is subject to, or at risk of, domestic or sexual abuse that practical help is always available. I urge anyone who is in fear or danger, due to domestic abuse or any other crime, to please contact the gardaí as soon as it is safe to do so.”