More than 100 people have been prosecuted for domestic violence offences in the past six weeks.

It comes as Gardaí report a 17% increase in calls for help relating to domestic issues.

The Garda Operation Faoiseamh was set up earlier this year amid concern COVID-19 restrictions could lead to an increase in domestic violence.

A total of 217 people have been prosecuted as a result of the operation since the beginning of April.

Meanwhile, Gardaí have made more than 20,500 calls of attempted calls to victims of domestic abuse this year.

In a statement this morning, Gardaí said the operation would continue throughout the Christmas period with investigators continuing to treat all instances of Domestic Abuse as a top priority.

Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said: “Through our community engagement response to Covid-19, Operation Faoiseamh has protected victims and provided comfort and assurance to those victims experiencing domestic abuse.”

“An Garda Síochána is mindful of the fear and concern some in our community have during COVID restrictions.

“We continue to robustly provide assistance and support to victims of Domestic Abuse, and to all vulnerable victims.

“An Garda Síochána will continue to ensure your safety and I encourage anyone who feels threatened or is in fear to contact us and we will respond quickly and vigorously.”

Chief Superintendent Daly encouraged anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse or knows of someone who may be, to contact them.

“Please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.”

There are now Divisional Protective Service Units operational in every Garda division in the country.