Issue Date: 7th December 2023
• In excess of 54,000 domestic abuse reports received by An Garda Síochána to date in 2023 - an 8% increase over the same period in 2022
• Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Tool now operational in all Garda Regions
• New domestic abuse related legislation available to members of An Garda Síochána investigating allegations of domestic abuse
• An Garda Síochána have a specific operation to raise awareness of the supports available to victims of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• GNPSB continue to make strides in the investigation of organised crime groups engaged in overseeing organised prostitution in Ireland
An Garda Síochána are once again supporting the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, which commenced on the 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10th December, Human Rights Day.
Provisional figures highlight that An Garda Síochána has received in excess of 54,000 domestic abuse reports to date in 2023 - an 8% increase on the corresponding period in 2022.
An Garda Síochána continues to treat all instances of gender based violence as a priority and once again re-enforce our commitment to ‘keeping people safe’, and in particular the victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
An Garda Síochána continues to introduce and implement a number of measures to support victims of gender based violence, such as:
• The Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Tool, now operational and in use in every Garda District, Division and Region across the country, is a critical assessment tool available to frontline Gardaí to assess the risk posed to a Domestic Abuse victim by the perpetrator when responding to Domestic Abuse incidents.
• Domestic Abuse Protective Programmes, in collaboration with external partners to provide an immediate response to high risk victims of Domestic Abuse, are being expanded.
• An Garda Síochána is working with external partners to raise awareness of the crime of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Actions in relation to Organised Prostitution are included in the Government’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence. An Garda Síochána are utilising Organised Crime legislation to investigate and prosecute offenders who organise prostitution in Ireland
• An Garda Síochána supports the Department of Justice’s current "Let’s have the Consent Conversation” campaign, raising awareness around the importance of consent in relationships and the upcoming "Always Here” domestic abuse focused campaign
Speaking today, Detective Chief Superintendent, Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Colm Noonan, said, "An Garda Síochána is fully committed to supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders.
This year, through our social media channels, An Garda Síochána have reached out to communities across Ireland, through 14 different languages, reaffirming our support and commitment to victims of gender based violence.
The Christmas period is an enjoyable time for the majority of citizens but An Garda Síochána understands the fear and concern some in our community have in their own homes, which can be further heightened at this time of year.
I urge anyone who has in the past or may be currently suffering Domestic, Sexual or Gender Based Violence to contact any Garda station or in an emergency to call 999/112. I can assure victims that they will be supported and heard.
By fully exposing these crimes, as well as constantly improving our policing response, we can help reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse and gender based violence in our society.”
