Victims of domestic abuse are more isolated than ever before because of the Covid 19 pandemic.
That’s according to Women’s Aid after new figures show over 100 men were prosecuted for domestic abuse last month.
Gardai launched a special operation during lockdown to help domestic abuse victims, and say over 8,000 contacts or attempted contacts have been made.
These include many distressing cases like suspects entering family homes and assaulting victims or offenders using social media to threaten victims.
Chief Superintendent Declan Daly says some offenders will visit a victims home to intimidate them:
"There's repeated visits to the house, unwanted visits to the house, where the perpetrator may climb over the back wall, may look through the patio door."
An Garda Síochána is here to help and support anyone who is a victim of the crime of Domestic Abuse. To report Domestic Abuse contact your local Garda station or in an emergency call 999/112.https://t.co/EFGWrr5mzv
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) June 9, 2020
Domestic abuse cases are up 25 per cent this year and Gardai say they prosecuted 107 men last month for various offences.
Women’s Aid says the crisis has allowed abusers to double down on their opportunities to exert power and control.
CEO Sarah Benson says they’ve been receiving distressing phone calls:
"We are seeing really acute levels of anxiety, of fear, we are hearing reports of suicidal thoughts because women are feeling so isolated, so vulnerable."
Both the gardai and Women’s Aid want victims to know help is at hand. Anyone affected can ring 999 or Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900.
