30% Increase in Domestic Violence Garda Call Outs During Covid. – Tóibín
Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has found out that there was a 30% increase in the number of times that Gardaí were called to the scene of domestic violence during the 2 years of the Covid restrictions. An Teachta Tóibín stated;
“The figures that I have received from the Minister of Justice are shocking. Every incident of domestic violence is a disaster for the individual and a terrifying experience. The figures that have received indicate that Gardaí were called out just under 50,000 times in the state in 2021. This is an increase in 11,000 Garda call outs in 2 years over the 2019 figures and an increase in percentage terms of 29.13%. So far in 2022 the figures have continuing to increase. While both men and women suffer domestic violence women are far more likely to suffer repeated and severe forms of abuse, including sexual violence. These figures include domestic abuse and violence, breeches of barring orders, protection orders, safety orders and domestic disputes. They are no doubt the tip of the iceberg as so much domestic abuse and violence goes unreported”.
“Many counties experienced incredible spikes in Domestic Violence. Sligo/Leitrim saw a 64% increase in Garda Domestic Violence call outs. Wexford saw a 61% increase. Carlow/Kilkenny saw a 57% increase and Louth a 47% increase. These are horrendous figures. Irish society is becoming a more dangerous and violent place for many. Sexual offences have also been increase in recent years. These figures firmly contradict our image of ourselves as being a more progressive and tolerant society. As a society we are not analysing or dealing with these shocking changes adequately at all. The Minister for Justice and the government are not properly focused on the causes of crime or tackling it in terms of resources, solutions and sentences”.
“The Government policy in terms of Covid restrictions is an example of this. Ireland was an outlier in terms of the length and severity of the lockdowns. There is no doubt that this played a significant role in the spite in Domestic Violence over the last number of years. Yet Ireland is one of the few countries to properly investigate these actions and understand the effect they had on society. We in Aontú have tabled a Bill that calls for a Commission Investigation into how the Covid Crisis was handled in terms of domestic violence, mental health, cancer care, nursing homes, staffing, resources etc. Yet Government still refuse to properly analyse the impacts of their actions. Little will be learnt and no one will be held to account for an enormous toll that was inflicted on so many people”.
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