Over 17,900 incidents of domestic abuse reported so far this year
Eva Osborne
There have been over 17,900 incidents of domestic abuse reported in the first four months of 2026, a 10 per cent increase compared to the first four months of 2025.
An Garda Síochána released new data as part of the Go Purple Day launch, an initiative focused on raising awareness about domestic abuse and the supports available.
In the first four months of 2026, there have been over 4,900 charges or summons associated with domestic abuse incidents.
This is an increase of 14 per cent compared to those in the first four months of 2025.
There have been over 920 arrests for domestic abuse in the first four months of 2026, an increase of 10 per cent when compared with arrests made for domestic abuse in the first four months of 2025.
There were over 52,600 incidents of domestic abuse reported altogether in 2025, a six per cent increase on the number of incidents reported in 2024.
This equates to over 1,000 domestic abuse reports made every single week in 2025.
To mark Go Purple Day, members of the public as well as Garda personnel nationwide have been encouraged to show their support by ‘going purple’, through their outfit choice, on their social media channels or by decorating their home, office or business.
Assistant Commissioner for organised and serious crime, Angela Willis, said: "Unfortunately, domestic abuse continues to have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities throughout Ireland.
"It can be a hidden crime, happening behind closed doors, and in the case of coercive control it can be occurring in plain sight. Those experiencing this form of abuse are very often isolated, cut off from support networks, leaving them feeling vulnerable, fearful and unable to advocate for themselves.
"Campaigns like Go Purple are important because they increase the visibility of those supports and how they can be accessed. They encourage conversations within communities and network groups. They raise awareness of the services available, and they remind victims and survivors that they are not alone."
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Women’s Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Men’s Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.
Safe Ireland also offers a number of local services and helplines at safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
