‘Significant increases’ in several rural counties, as Justice Minister says people are ‘more confident about coming forward’
The figures show an increase of 3pc across the country in the past year. However, gardaí reported more significant increases in domestic abuse call-outs in several rural counties.
They increased by 16pc in the Kerry garda division, and 15pc in the Clare and Tipperary and in the Laois/Offaly divisions.
The number of domestic abuse call-outs also increased in Wexford/Wicklow by 8pc, Cork city and county by 7pc, and in Louth, Cavan and Monaghan by 4pc. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said “any increase in reported cases of domestic violence is deeply concerning”.
However, he said the steady increase over the years may also be evidence that more people feel confident in coming forward to report abuse, given a number of awareness campaigns.
The data showed a national increase of 2.9pc year on year, and an increase of around 34pc since 2021. The figures were obtained by Aontú in response to parliamentary question.
They include domestic abuse calls recorded on the Pulse system in the year to February 24, 2026, and include incidents such as breaches of barring orders, safety orders and protection orders.
They show that gardaí were called out to domestic abuse incidents 67,399 times last year.
In contrast, gardaí were called out 50,060 times in 2021, rising to 60,367 in 2023.
Aontú senator, Sarah O’Reilly, said the rise in domestic violence calls likely reflects “a higher level of abuse within society”.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the increase was ‘deeply concerning’. Photo: PA
“The continued rise of domestic violence call-outs must be taken seriously. It is dangerous for us as a society to ever write it off as simply a sign of increased confidence of victims to call for help,” she said.
Calls increased by 36pc overall, from 2021 to 2025.
Referring to the “increasing number of women being murdered in recent years”, Ms O’Reilly said “a murder victim is more likely to be a domestic homicide than a gangland killing”.
“We can’t dismiss these figures or assume what they mean, because there’s such a strong link. We need analysis to interpret them fully.”
Mr O’Callaghan said the figures record a “steady increase” in reported calls, year-on-year.
“While any increase in reported cases of domestic violence is deeply concerning, there is evidence that a greater number of people feel more confident to come forward with a criminal complaint, share their experience and seek the support they have a right to expect,” he said.
“Although the volume is of great concern, this increased confidence is welcome.”