Domestic violence callouts rose sharply in past decade

Aontú’s representative for Mayo Paul Lawless has called for societal and cultural change around domestic violence after an increase in Garda callouts to domestic violence over the past decade.

In the Mayo, Roscommon and Longford Garda division, there were 706 callouts to domestic violence incidents in 2013, but by 2022, that number had increased by a staggering 179% to 1,969.

“There can be no doubt there are many factors contributing to this shocking increase. We need societal and cultural change around this issue,” he said.

“I'm disappointed the Government voted against legislation Aontú brought forward to prohibit companies from supplying hardcore and violent pornography to young children. Such pornography is creating a rape and sexual assault culture in society.”

Mr Lawless called for greater investment to help deal with this issue.

“There are many counties in the State that don't have a domestic violence shelter, and many others are operating to capacity. Waiting lists for counselling for sexual assault are also growing. We urgently need more investment, more shelters and for this crisis to be treated as an emergency.

"I've heard of cases where people are becoming homeless after fleeing their abuser. I commend the victims and survivors who picked up the courage to phone the Gardaí," he said.