Co Kildare TD is seriously concerned about Domestic Violence

A Co Kildare TD is requesting information on Domestic Violence statistics.

Fiona O’ Loughlin Fainna Fail TD for South Kildare was asking in Dail Eireann this week about the reliability of Domestic Abuse Statistics.

She said: “In the past eight weeks, four women have died at the hands of men known to them and nine children have been left motherless as a result.”

 Data published by the relevant European Union agency shows that the incidence of domestic abuse in Ireland is 7% above the European average. This concern has been highlighted by Women's Aid. It would seem that the statistics released by the Department of Justice may be unreliable and that Gardai are not classifying domestic violence incidents appropriately. According to Garda figures, there were 6,000 incidents in 2016. However, according to Women's Aid, the figure is 20,769.

Deputy O’ Loughlin asked An Taoisesch :“Are we examining the discrepancy between the figures and also when should we expect the Domestic Violence Bill to be enacted.”

She said: “Domestic violence is a huge issue affecting families right across the country with Tusla services also receiving more than 80,000  calls  every year by adults, mainly women, with children. It is feared that many other cases simply go unreported.”