Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called domestic abuse figures in Ireland “appalling.”
New figures have highlighted a surge in domestic abuse reports to the gardaí over the last four years, with the figure rising 45% in that time.
The Dublin Central TD said that an “immediate and comprehensive response” is needed to tackle the issue.
Gannon, who serves as the Soc Dems’ justice spokesperson, said that a long-term response to the crisis includes pathways into safe accommodation, support services, and a strengthened system for protecting victims at a local level.
“A multi-faceted approach is necessary to tackle domestic violence. As Safe Ireland has rightly pointed out, we must build not just refuge spaces, but a strong, community-based response that offers real, long-term support for victims,” he said.
‘’The government must prioritise this issue and ensure a full infrastructural response at every level of society, rather than focusing on targets for refuge spaces alone.
“It is time for a comprehensive approach to end the cycle of domestic abuse so we can offer victims real opportunities to rebuild their lives.”