Women’s Aid recorded their highest number of calls ever in 2024, the organisation has confirmed in its annual report. 

Last year, the organisation was contacted 32,144 times - a figure 12% higher than the one in 2023 - of which 24,396 were made through the National Freephone Helpline. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, spokesperson Eavan Ward said the upwards trend was very much in keeping with previous years. 

“There are more campaigns, there are more awareness, there is more of a push to inform and educate around specialist services to victim survivors of domestic abuse," she explained. 

“Which has undoubtedly caused an increase in those coming forward. 

“We know that after every high profile case that’s reported in the media, we will see an increase to contacts to our national freephone helpline.” 

Woman looking out of window on a rainy day. Picture by: Islandstock / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Ward continued that domestic violence is “endemic” in society, adding that many women are still not asking for help. 

“We are really only reaching the tip of the iceberg in terms of those women who are coming forward, seeking support,” she said. 

“We know that the majority of those who are being subjected to domestic violence and abuse are not coming forward and never seek support or redress for what they’re going through.” 

If Irish society is to successfully tackle domestic violence, Ms Ward said women need to have confidence that An Garda Síochána will help them. 

“We know from their own reports that Gardaí are also seeing record domestic violence and abuse contacts,” she said. 

“We also know - and it’s important for me to stress - there’s been excellent progress in some areas.

“Such as the National Protective Services Bureau, who actually partner with Women’s Aid.” 

Solutions

Despite this, Ms Ward said that many Gardaí - particularly new recruits or those who work in local stations - suffer from “knowledge gaps”. 

“So, we are calling for specialist training to be delivered on the dynamics of domestic abuse,” she said. 

“It’s important that there’s appropriate training around new legislation - such as stalking.” 

Ms Ward also warned that society must face up to the role pornography plays in domestic abuse. 

“The jury is no longer out in terms of pornography and the role it plays in violence against women,” she said. 

“We know that the content is deeply misogynistic and degrading. 

“Really, it’s not contributing anything positive to healthy and positive relationships.” 

Anyone who has been impacted by domestic violence can contact Women’s Aid’s National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Main image: A model poses for a photo to illustrate domestic violence. Picture by: Alamy.com.