New figures highlighting the appalling surge in domestic abuse reports to gardaí show that an immediate and comprehensive response is needed to tackle the issue, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s justice spokesperson, said:
‘’Newly released figures show that the number of emergency calls to gardaí reporting domestic violence has surged by 45 per cent in just four years.
“We need a comprehensive, long-term response to this crisis that includes pathways into safe accommodation, support services, and a strengthened system for protecting victims at local level.
‘’A multi-faceted approach is necessary to tackle domestic violence. As Safe Ireland has rightly pointed out, we must build not just refuge spaces, but a strong, community-based response that offers real, long-term support for victims.
‘’The Government must prioritise this issue and ensure a full infrastructural response at every level of society, rather than focusing on targets for refuge spaces alone.
“It is time for a comprehensive approach to end the cycle of domestic abuse so we can offer victims real opportunities to rebuild their lives.”
February 24, 2025