68% Increase In Domestic Abuse Cases Put Forward For Prosecution.

Thursday, 22 July 2021 09:13

Gardai sent 327 files to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the first five months of 2020.

There's been a 68 per cent increase in domestic violence cases forwarded for potential prosecution this year.

The Covid-19 lockdowns are being blamed for the sharp rise.

Eoghan Murphy reports:

Gardai sent 327 files to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the first five months of 2020.

According to freedom of information figures, that rose to 550 in the same period this year.

Criminal barrister and Fine Gael senator, Barry Ward, says the big rise is down to the pandemic.

Senator, Barry Ward says the numbers may not drop when Covid lockdowns end

More public awareness and garda support along with difficult living conditions during lockdown, have led to an increase in domestic violence legal cases.

That's the view of Safe Ireland

Tom Douglas has more details

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