Limerick recorded highest level of domestic abuse cases in a decade last year

THE LIMERICK Garda Division recorded 2,584 domestic abuse cases in 2023 compared to 989 in 2014.

There has been 544 in the first three months of 2024. The incidences include breaches of interim barring order, protection order, barring order, safety order, emergency barring order and domestic abuse.

It follows a parliamentary question from Aontu party leader, Deputy Peadar Tóibín.

Party colleague, Cllr Sarah Beasley said it is deeply concerning that domestic abuse incidents are rapidly increasing in Limerick and Ireland. 

“2,584 cases last year in Limerick is absolutely shocking. Domestic violence is a heinous crime and it damages the entire family who live in fear and it can often have lifelong repercussions,” said Cllr Beasley.

She continued: “It’s not just in Limerick as the number of domestic abuse incidents have increased from 14,264 in 2014 to a shocking 46,539 throughout the country last year. Sadly, this dark trend is continuing this year. There are now 128 garda call outs for domestic abuse incidents every day of the year.  

“Behind every one of these figures, is a person being damaged, in what should be, the sanctuary of their own home. In the vast majority of cases, this abuse is being carried out against women. The truth is, Ireland is becoming a more dangerous place for women. I don’t believe for a second that the government is tackling the causes of this abuse within society or providing the necessary support to those affected”.

Cllr Beasley cited a report from the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy (SERP) which addresses the role of pornography in the pandemic of violence against women and girls.

“Violence is becoming more and more prevalent and much of what features in mainstream porn is sexual violence,” said Cllr Beasley, who added that she has been an outspoken advocate for the homeless and those in addiction in Limerick for years,

“So many of these unfortunate women and their children are on the streets as their homes are no longer safe. It is absolutely desperate,” she said.

Aontu’s General Election candidate in Limerick city said the government is refusing to tackle the proliferation of hardcore pornography being consumed by children. 

“More than one in every three pornographic videos depicts sexual violence or aggression against women and children as young as ten are consuming this material every day”.

“Aontú is calling on the government to take this issue seriously. By seriously we mean the provision of the necessary resources, changes to the law and societal changes to ensure that Ireland is a place for women,” concluded Cllr Beasley.

If you have been affected by this article, please contact Women’s Aid 24 hour freephone helpline 1800341900.