An excess of 65,000 domestic abuse related correspondences was received by An Garda Síochána in 2024, which averages at 1,250 reports every week, states a Garda press release from March 10th
An Garda Síochána said that they will study the Garda Inspectorate’s report in detail with emphasis on the responses from the victims of domestic abuse and the report’s recommendations on the issue.
In the press release An Garda Síochána emphasised their commitment to managing all instances of domestic abuse and to “keeping people safe”, citing their establishment of a specialist Protective Services Unit in each Garda Division.
“There are over 300 specialist Gardaí assigned to Divisional Protective Service Units,” states the press release.
Over the past few years, An Garda Síochána has implemented other measures in order to help protect and support victims of domestic abuse. Operation Faoiseamh is a program created during the pandemic to offer support and reassurance to victims. Increased training, specifically in coercive control, which has recently been made an offence, for Gardaí have been implemented as well as additional training that is provided for all operational Gardaí during the application and prosecution of domestic violence orders. An Garda Síochána has also implemented additional measures including a pro-arrest policy and a focus on call-backs to victims of domestic abuse.
Gardaí have been equipped with the domestic abuse risk evaluation tool, now in use nationwide, allowing frontline officers to assess the risk posed to victims during incidents. In collaboration with external partners, An Garda Síochána has expanded domestic abuse protective programmes that provide immediate responses to high risk victims of domestic abuse. Additionally, the Garda Analysis Service published a detailed analysis of recorded Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence incidents which has helped identify significant trends specifically in victim-offender relationships and domestic abuse motives.
“The investigation and prosecution of offenders in the area of domestic and sexual abuse is an absolute priority” stated the press release.
In 2023 and 2024 An Garda Síochána helped secure 41 prosecutions for coercive control. These prosecutions were made from the introduction of additional legislation created to assist An Garda Síochána.
The press release concludes by stating that the Garda National Protective Services Bureau works closely with the Department of Justice, Cuan, and non-governmental organisations to ensure An Garda Síochána plays a central role in identifying, preventing, and addressing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.
“There can be a better, safer future for you and your family to be free from the threats, control, physical & emotional abuse and assault” stated the press release.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, regardless of gender or sexuality, is encouraged to seek help by contacting any Garda station or, in an emergency, dialing 999/112.
