Over 2,000 domestic abuse cases reported in Kildare last year

A SHOCKING total of 2,164 cases of domestic abuse were reported last year in Co Kildare, and this shows no sign of improvement given that 620 cases were reported in the first quarter of 2024.

This came to light following a PQ from Aontú’s party leader Peadar Tóibín TD, whose candidate Melissa Byrne is running for the General Election in the constituency of Kildare South.

“It is deeply concerning that domestic abuse incidents are rapidly increasing in Kildare,” she said.

“Domestic violence is a heinous crime, and it damages the entire family who live in fear, and it can often have lifelong psychological effects”.

These figures are not exclusive to Co. Kildare however, as the number of domestic abuse incidents nationally have increased from 14,264 in 2014 to a shocking 46, 539 last year.

There are now 128 garda call outs for domestic abuse incidents every day of the year.

“Teach Tearmainn, based in Kildare town, but with an outreach office in Naas is the local lifeline to women fleeing domestic violence, but it needs much greater resources, like so many refuges up and down the country,” said Ms Byrne.

“Refuges should never have to worry about the shortfall in funding, they shouldn’t have to be fundraising.

“If we are absolutely serious about helping women and children who have to flee domestic violence, we have to ensure that these places of sanctuary have funding to keep the doors open.

"Ireland is becoming a more violent place especially for women “There is significant evidence that the consumption of pornography is linked to the increase in violence against women, yet the Government has refused to follow the lead of the French Government which would stop the provision of these materials to children".

"While sentences vary, Ireland is far too lenient in terms of our sentencing in terms of domestic violence or sexual abuse.

“ We need a zero tolerance policy, and that means stronger sentencing. It also means more Gardaí being available when called out to these crimes. We also need stronger support in place for survivors. The state needs to stop dragging its feet on these issues. Too many people's lives have already been damaged by inaction on this issue".

“So many of these unfortunate women and their children are on the streets as their homes are no longer safe. It is absolutely desperate”.

“There has been a 200 per cent increase in cocaine abuse since 2017 and a sharp rise in the number of people with multiple addictions.

“Our mental health services only receive six per cent of the overall health budget and chronic underfunding is having a serious societal impact.

“There are still nine counties in Ireland that do not have a refuge centre for women and children facing domestic violence”.