Domestic Abuse Reports Reach All Time High, With Over 1,000 Reports Made Per Week

Last month, Kfm reported that Kildare was not identified as a priority location for new refuge construction, as more women and children were seeking refuge from domestic violence and abuse

The number of domestic abuse reports has reached an all time high.

New figures show 17,900 incidents were recorded by Gardaí by the first of this month – more than the number for the entirety of last year.

Arrests for domestic abuse are also on the rise, up 10 per cent compared to the same time in 2025.

There have been over 920 arrests for domestic abuse in the first four months of 2026.

The figures come as today marks Go Purple Day, an initiative by An Garda Síochána, with the support of domestic abuse services nationwide, to help raise awareness about domestic abuse and the supports available.

Go Purple Day was initiated six years ago by a community policing Garda, Stacey Looby who was working in Navan at the time, and recognised the impact the pandemic restrictions were having on people living in fear.

This morning’s launch took place at Rathcoole Community Centre and brought together representatives from local and national domestic abuse services, members of An Garda Síochána, politicians, and other local stakeholders.

Researchers and law enforcement professionals have determined that non-fatal strangulation is a leading indicator of escalating violence in a relationship and is a significant risk factor for homicide in women.

Approximately one in five (21 per cent) Domestic Abuse incidents reported between 2022 and 2025 (for which there was an injured party recorded), involved a male victim.

Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime Angela Willis, says this is still an issue which is under-reported:

Last month, Kfm reported that Kildare was not identified as a priority location for new refuge construction, as more women and children were seeking refuge from domestic violence and abuse.

HELPLINES:

Teach Tearmainn - 1800 91 91 91 

Women’s Aid - 1800 341 900

Women’s Aid Kildare/West Wicklow - 045 527 584

Saoirse Domestic Violence - 1800 911 221

Men’s Aid - 01 554 3811

National Male Advice Line - 1800 816 588