A Donegal County Councillor has called for increased resourcing for An Garda Síochána and domestic abuse services amid a jump in recorded incidents and calls for help from victims.
Domestic abuse-related calls to gardaí in Donegal have increased by 24% since 2020.
The first nine months of 2025 saw more than 1,500 calls received by An Garda Síochana in Donegal.
The number of reported domestic abuse incidents have also surged. In Donegal, reported domestic abuse incidents have increased by 74% since 2018, rising from 607 cases that year to 1,057 incidents recorded in the first nine months of 2025 alone.
There were 1,520 recorded domestic abuse–related incidents in Donegal in 2024, including breaches of court orders, coercive control, and other incidents recorded with a domestic abuse motive.
Sinn Féin Cllr for Lifford/Stranorlar LEA, Dakota Nic Mheanman said the figures are deeply concerning.
“We as a society cannot continue to neglect this major issue. It’s clear from these figures that domestic abuse remains a serious and growing problem in our communities,” she said.
Cllr Nic Mheanman says she believes that survivors are being failed by the justice system.
“We’ve a judicial system that doesn’t work for survivors. Inconsistent and even lenient sentences for perpetrators.”
The impact of this is felt by victims, who are increasingly forced into impossible choices due to a severe lack of options.
“We’re unfortunately seeing a drastic situation where people have to choose between being homeless and living with their abuser as they have nowhere to go. All refuge centers are constantly full, with some counties not even having a women’s refuge,” Cllr Nic Mheanman said.
“We need urgent action to ensure those who have experienced domestic abuse get the support and justice they deserve without delay.”
“This includes better resourcing for An Garda Síochána and domestic violence services.”
“The State must ensure that every person who has experienced domestic abuse knows that help is available and that offenders will be held to account.”
“Sinn Féin will keep pressure on government to ensure survivors get the support they deserve, that perpetrators are held accountable, and that no person has to suffer in silence
Cllr Nic Mheanman urged people to remember that help is always available:
Donegal Domestic Violence Services
LIFELINE Inishowen
Donegal Women’s Centre
Serious concern over sharp rise in domestic abuse incidents in Donegal was last modified: February 19th, 2026 by Staff Writer
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