Women's Aid Report 16% Rise In Contacts For Domestic Abuse Support Services

Women’s Aid, a national organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse in Ireland has reported a record high number of domestic violence contacts made with their support services in 2022.

In the Women’s Aid Annual Impact Report 2022, it was announced that 31,229 contacts were made to the National Freephone Helpline and Regional Face-to-Face services. This is the highest ever number of contacts received by the organisation in its almost 50 year history.

These reports saw 33,990 disclosures of domestic abuse made, including 5,412 reports of abuse of children. Tragically, the organisation’s Femcide Watch noted that twelve women had their lives stolen in violent circumstances in 2022.

According to the report, abuse is classified as coercive control, emotional abuse, physical violence, sexual abuse or economic control.

The report also explained the challenges faced by victims of abuse besides the horrific and often long-lasting impact of the abuse itself. It points out the additional challenges of the housing crisis, inflation and the family and criminal law system that is “creaking at the seams, creating lengthy, protracted, and traumatising delays for women.”

The report stated that the government's reforms proposed in the national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence “cannot come quickly enough,” along with the adequate resources to properly implement them.

Commenting on the report, the Chairperson of Women’s Aid Ireland, Ailbhe Smyth, stated that “In the year past we have witnessed a significant rollback on women’s rights globally, with domestic violence remaining alarmingly prevalent across the globe, including here in Ireland.”

She added that “We need to promote positive and healthy masculinities and equality and ultimately reduce that shocking number of one in four women suffering domestic abuse for future generations.”

Meanwhile, the organisation’s CEO, Sarah Benson said that the report “serves as a harrowing and poignant reminder of the level of domestic violence against women and children that prevails in homes and relationships across Ireland.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, Women’s Aid offer free, confidential support and information. You can call and talk to one of their helpline workers on 1800 341 900. Their phone line is 24 hours a day, seven days a week or you can email them at [email protected].