Domestic violence figures remain shockingly high

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that the figures for domestic violence in the area have remained high since they peaked during the lockdowns of 2020 and the only course of action is to provide more supports and secure accommodation so that victims of abuse can break the connection to their abuser and be safe. Teachta Crowe was speaking after a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee 
 
Teachta Crowe said: “The number of reported incidents of domestic violence to the Gardaí across Dublin South West has barely changed since the same period last year. Gardaí across the local JPC area received 952 reports of domestic violence as of this week. This compares to 950 in the same week in 2020. While some areas saw fewer reports, others saw higher ones and we are in almost the exact same position as last year, only slightly worse.
 
“We saw massive increases in the reporting of domestic violence right across the state in 2020 and I fear that the trend has carried through into 2021. “We need to be looking at greater financial supports and more available secure accommodation for victims and their families. An abuser controls every aspect of the victim’s life, from where they live to what funds they have access to. The very real threat posed to children is also a powerful motivator to stay with an abuser.
 
“That is why the supports are so vital to breaking the chain of violence and allowing victims to make a fresh start in a safe environment. We need more than once-off funding from Ministers. We need to ensure that all domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence services are properly funded and resourced.  The figures we received at the Joint Policing meeting today are stark and should be a call to action for the authorities.”