Statistics show increase in domestic abuse cases in Galway

Domestic abuse levels in the county have soared since the onset of Covid-19, with alcohol abuse in the home identified as a significant factor in increasing levels of violence.

At a meeting of the County Joint Policing Committee (JPC) this week, it was revealed that the number of breached barring, safety and protection orders had increased by 42% in the first four months of 2021 – up eight on the 2020 figure.

Some 173 incidents of domestic disputes where no offence was disclosed – where the victim declined to make an official complaint when Gardaí visited – an increase of 8% year-on-year.

Speaking at the JPC, Deputy Catherine Connolly (Ind), reiterated concerns about the language used in the Garda report related to ‘domestic incidents’.

“The word ‘incidents’ does a disservice to the victims – it’s violence and assaults. We have seen a serious increase in the level of domestic abuse and I am asking the Chief Superintendent [Tom Curley] what steps are being taken to address this?

“Covid has been a disaster for women and domestic violence. There is a serious number of no offence disclosed, and I know there is a call-back policy [from Gardaí] but that is 173 incidents where women are not following up – we need a strategy,” said Deputy Connolly.

Responding, Chief Supt Curley said he agreed that the number of ‘no offence disclosed’ cases was ‘very high’.

Detailing how the ‘call-back’ policy works, he said Gardaí respond to the initial report after a call is made, but will later return to the house to check in on the person who made the complaint, even if they refused to take it any further.

“Before we go out on calls [related to domestic abuse], we check on our system to see if there have been previous instances involving the same people. We make the person aware of all options available to them,” he said.

“A lot of it is alcohol driven, I have to say. We also have a number of investigations ongoing in relation to coercive control.”

Chief Supt Curley said the Protective Services Unit at Galway Garda HQ in Murrough had expertly-trained personnel to deal with domestic abuse and that service was available to all complainants.

“We were one of the first Garda divisions in the country to set up a Protected Services Unit and we have dedicated people there dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual violence,” he added.

Gardaí in Galway had daily and weekly meetings where domestic violence was an area of priority.

“Domestic violence is one category that a superintendent is required to sign off on cases to ensure that the guidelines are being followed,” said the Chief.

Meanwhile, figures for January to April of this year show there has been a decline in the number of sexual assaults reported to Gardaí.

Some 16 cases, classified by Gardaí as ‘non-aggravated’, were reported over the last four months, down from 20 in the first four months of 2020.

Anyone affected by the issues raised in this article can contact COPE Galway’s 24-hour domestic Abuse Service on 091 565985.