ABUSE CASES SURGE
Reports of domestic abuse continue to rise during 2020 - Women’s Aid
A surge in calls to Dundalk Women’s Aid during 2020 has highlighted fears of an ongoing increase in domestic abuse during lockdown.
Latest figures, obtained by the Argus from Women’s Aid, reveal 1,423 calls were made to their helpline between January and October this year.
The increase in women seeking help, and bravely deciding to leave abusive relationships, saw many turning to Dundalk Women’s Aid for refuge. But, such has been the pressure on services during 2020, the local charity couldn’t accommodate 311 requests for refuge.
Overall there were 772 new clients using the service in the first ten months of the year.
The figures emerged as An Garda Síochána launched the third phase of Operatio Faoiseamh, which aims to prioritise those who are vulnerable to and victims of domestic abuse.
Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services Bureau stressed that anyone experiencing domestic abuse will not be subject to travel restrictions during the lockdown.
‘I want to assure those victims experiencing domestic abuse that An Garda Síochána are available to assist you in this difficult time. An Garda Síochána are mindful of the fear and concern some in our community may have at this time. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.’
A surge in calls to Dundalk Women’s Aid during 2020 has highlighted fears of an ongoing increase in domestic abuse during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Latest figures, obtained by the Argus, from Women’s Aid reveal 1,423 calls were made to their helpline between January and October this year.
The increase in women seeking help, and bravely deciding to leave abusive relationships saw many turning to Dundalk Women’s Aid for refuge.
But, such has been the pressure on services during 2020, the local charity couldn’t accommodate 311 requests for refuge.
Overall there were 772 new clients using the service in the first ten months of the year.
The figures emerged as An Garda Síochána launched the third phase of Operation Faoiseamh, which aims to prioritise citizens vulnerable to and victims of Domestic Abuse.
Gardai have confirmed the next stage in the operation will see them proactively reach out and make contact with previous victims to provide reassurance, support and to offer the assistance of local and specialised resources.
The operation will see a renewed focus on the enforcement of court orders and the prosecution of offenders.
Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services Bureau stressed that anyone experiencing domestic abuse will not be subject to travel restrictions during the lockdown
‘I want to assure those victims experiencing domestic abuse that An Garda Síochána are available to assist you in
this difficult time. An Garda Síochána are mindful of the fear and concern some in our community may have at this time. I wish to take this opportunity to re-emphasise our commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society. If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a fam
ily member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.’