Kathleen Funchion MEP for Ireland South has raised serious concern over the significant rise in the number of domestic abuse calls to An Garda Síochána, as evidenced in a recent parliamentary question to the Minister for Justice.

MEP Funchion said:

“A worrying trend is emerging with yet another 8.3% increase in domestic abuse calls in the last year, with over 65,000 individuals reaching out to An Garda Síochána for help.

“Ireland South makes up a significant number of these calls with over 21,097 calls from the ten counties in the region. This equates to over 32% of all calls nationally.

“We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this issue.

“More and more individuals, women in particular, are now having to choose between homelessness and a place that is no longer safe.

“Women’s Aid say that at least 1 in 4 women in Ireland are subjected to some form of abuse from a current or former partner.

“This is not just a private matter but a public issue that requires a multifaceted approach to reduce its prevalence and ensure that every individual who makes that phone call receives the support they deserve.

“Violence against women continues to rise, yet there remains no clear and effective response from government to address their issues at their root.

“Women deserve better. Women deserve to feel safe in every space they enter.

“We need stronger legislation, stricter enforcement, and robust regulations to ensure that offenders are held fully accountable for their actions.

“The incoming government and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan must prioritise this and recognise this for what it is – a crisis.

“As a member for the European Parliament’s committee on Women’s’ Rights and Gender Equality I will continue to use my voice to ensure that violence against women and children stays in the public space.”

Please remember help is always available: https://www.safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/