Canvassing councillors in Clare told they 'have a role' in helping victims of domestic abuse
Increase of 49% in incidents of domestic violence reported in county Clare in past five years
Data shared by an Garda Síochána at the Clare Joint Policing Committee meeting this week shows almost a 50% increase in the number of reported incidents of domestic violence in the county.
In just the first quarter of 2024, 242 incidents with a domestic abuse motive have been reported in county Clare, already higher than the total number of cases in 2023, 237.
This represents a 49% increases since 2020, when 162 incidents were recorded.
Domestic Abuse Liaison Inspector for the Clare-Tipperary Garda Division, David Finnerty, presented the data to the JPC, and said that while the rise in these figures is "a huge concern", it is also a "welcome" sign of more victims coming forward.
"It's reassuring that victims of domestic abuse in county Clare are reaching out to us, and are reporting incidents of domestic abuse," Insp. Finnerty said.
"They are not suffering in silence."
Insp. Finnerty called on the local councillors present at the JPC to do their part in helping victims to "break the cycle of abuse".
"As councillors, you're out knocking on doors, you have a role in breaking that cycle of abuse," he said.
"You may engage with someone and they may reach out to you in your clinic or in a social capacity."
He urged councillors to learn to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, and to "signpost" the revelant supports for their constituents.
He highlighted the excellent work done by the refuge in county Clare, Clare Haven, saying the county was "fortunate" to have such a resource.
Nationally, an Garda Síochána dealt with 55,000 incidents of domestic violence in 2023, which equals one call every ten minutes.
The helpline for Clare Haven is 065 682 2435 (24 hour service).