Wicklow Outreach Service ANU Highlight Factors Behind Latest Surge In Domestic Violence

Bray Women’s Refuge outreach service Anu reflect upon a latest surge in domestic abuse cases as reported by gardaí

There's been a significant increase in the number of domestic violence call-outs, with reports indicating a 45% rise over the past four years. 

Women's Aid have reported a record number of contacts and disclosures of domestic abuse, including a 17% increase in calls to their helpline in the past year. 

There's a call for stronger legislation, stricter enforcement, and robust regulations to ensure offenders are held accountable, and for increased support for victims. 

Anne-Marie McMorrow from Wicklow Outreach Service ANU in Bray says trends are merging to form a much clearer picture surrounding domestic abuse:

''People are realising that you know, I don't have to put up with this, it is abusive, there are clear definitions and I can get supports.''

She outlined some of the factors that are fostering ongoing forms of domestic abuse in the home and beyond.

''There's an increase in social drug use, I think alcohol, I think maybe in the use of pornography. I mean there are so many elements and layers to what maybe causing the increase and I think we can all see that work in the domestic violence sector, including the guards identifying their increases. We're all seeing a massive increase in demand for the supports we can provide.''

She says supports for victim of abuse are there and is encouraging anyone in such a situation to come forward:

''We have a 24-hour helpline number (01-2866163), we also have a 24-hour mobile number for whatsapp or SMS for people who can't make a call, (083-4111917) and then if anyone wants outreach supports they can ring wither of those numbers and we'll refer them onto our outreach team, or our outreach number (086-0597560) and that's available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.