A report in respect of domestic violence during the early months of the pandemic, reveals that almost 3,500 women contacted a domestic violence service for the first time between March and August this year, according to a new report by Safe Ireland.
The report is based on data collected from 39 domestic violence services nationwide and is titled “Tracking the Shadow of the Pandemic”. The report says 3,450 women and 589 children sought support and safety from abuse and coercive control between March and August. Safe Ireland said at least 1,970 women and 411 children received support from a domestic violence service in that period. The report shows that 575 women and 98 children – who had never as far as is known, contacted a domestic violence service before – contacted services every month in that time. 33,941 helpline calls were answered across the country over the period, that is an average of 184 calls every day.
On average, according to Safe Ireland, there were 191 women and 288 children staying in domestic violence accommodation (refuge, safe homes and supported housing) each month. 1,351 requests for refuge could not be met as there was no space. However, Safe Ireland said services worked creatively to find alternative accommodation in the community.
The Co-CEO of Safe Ireland, Mary McDermott, said the study exposes patterns of domestic violence heightened by the pandemic. She said while the Government has continuously name-checked domestic violence as a priority – this has not been backed up by the resources and infrastructural modernisation that is needed.
