'Steady increase' of domestic abuse and coercive control incidents reported to gardaí

There has been a 9% increase in domestic abuse reports to gardaí in the past year while there has also been a 'steady increase' in coercive control. 

There have been over 49,257 domestic abuse reports received by An Garda Síochána to date in 2022 - a 9% increase over the same period in 2021

In total, there were 481 coercive control incidents recorded, to date, a steady increase in numbers since 2020.

Over 90% of garda members have completed coercive control specific training.

Since 2020, the incidents of coercive control being recorded has risen steadily with a total of 481 recorded to date.

An Garda Síochána says it will continue to reach out and make contact with victims to provide reassurance, support and to offer the assistance of local and specialised resources.

A statement from an Garda Síochána outlined that it continues to treat all instances of domestic abuse as a priority and once again re-enforces our commitment to ‘keeping people safe’, and in particular the victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

Under Operation Faoiseamh, the vulnerable and victims of abuse, will continue to receive the highest priority response from An Garda Síochána.

In recent years, An Garda Síochána has introduced a number of measures including Operation Faoiseamh, Divisional Protective Service Units, a strong focus on call-backs to victims of domestic abuse, and increased training for Gardaí in this area, such as:

• Specific training in coercive control is being delivered to all our operational Garda members. Currently over 90% of Garda members, who are our first line responders to Domestic Abuse incidents, have completed this training.

• Now operational in 3 of the 4 Garda Regions across the country and will be fully operational once training requirements have been completed, the Risk Evaluation Tool is a critical assessment tool available to frontline Gardaí to assess the risk posed to a Domestic Abuse victim by the perpetrator when responding to Domestic Abuse incidents.

• The Domestic Abuse Protective Programmes in collaboration with external partners to provide an immediate response to high risk victims of Domestic Abuse are being expanded.

• Additional training and communication is provided for all operational members on the application and prosecution of Domestic Violence Orders.

Detective Chief Superintendent, Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Colm Noonan, said: "An Garda Síochána is unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders.

"We are focused on a number of operational areas that we believe will enhance how individual Gardaí respond to victims and incidents of domestic abuse to ensure that no matter where a person lives, the service and protection they receive from An Garda Síochána will be of a consistently high standard.

"The Christmas period is an enjoyable time for the majority of citizens but An Garda Síochána understands the fear and concern some in our community have in their own homes, which can be further heightened at this time of year.

"I urge anyone who has in the past or may be currently suffering Domestic, Sexual or Gender Based Violence to contact any Garda station or in an emergency to call 999/112. I can assure victims that they will be supported and every incident will be investigated.

"By fully exposing these crimes, as well as constantly improving our policing response and wider policies, we can help reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse in our society,” Detective Chief Superintendent Noonan said.