Gardaí report rise in sex assaults and rape cases

Gardaí have been dealing a surge in the number of non-aggravated sexual assaults reported this year – with rape and domestic abuse also on the rise in the city.

In a report to the City Joint Policing Committee (JPC), it was revealed that 43 cases of non-aggravated sexual assault were dealt with by Gardaí in the 10 months to the end of October – a 65% increase on the same period last year.

During the same period, the instances of rape reported increased by 36% to 19.

The level of domestic incidents increased dramatically too as breaches of barring, protection and safety orders increased by 59% to 86. Domestic abuse incidents where no offence was disclosed to Gardaí after the initial report was also up slightly to 270 (4%) as Chief Superintendent Tom Curley said he was ‘very happy’ local Gardaí were working proactively to tackle such crimes.

“With both of those categories [sexual assault and rape], we are making progress in all investigations and nothing is outstanding.

“In relation to domestic violence, there are a number of factors [leading to an increase in reports]. Covid is one whether we like it or not. We are also seeing higher levels of reporting and more barring orders are being applied for,” said Chief Supt Curley.

“I am very happy that domestic violence policing is excellent in Galway. We have our Protective Services Unit here in our divisional headquarters in Murrough and I am quite happy that any reporting is done to the letter of policy,” he added.

He confirmed that Gardaí’s policy of calling back to those who report incidents of domestic violence within four days of the incident had a 98% success rate, and cases that went beyond that time frame was likely as a result of the attending officer being on leave. All were visited soon afterwards, he added.

“We have a pilot scheme running at the moment relating to a special domestic violence toolkit where we have a list of 45 or 50 questions that we go down through. A risk evaluation is carried out and if we see any pattern, a note is put on to the incident and we ensure that all available resources are put into the investigation,” said Chief Supt Curley.

He said the number of sexual assaults reported had increased significantly in the last three months.

“We are making progress in all our investigations and we know who the suspects are,” said the Garda Chief.

Anyone affected by the issues raised in this article can contact the Galway Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 355 355.