New Year’s Day busiest for domestic abuse calls in Limerick

A SUPERINTENDENT has warned of the dangers to victims in Limerick as gardaí prepare for the busiest 24 hours for domestic abuse-related call-outs on New Year’s Day.

Superintendent Aileen Magner told a meeting of the Limerick Joint Policing Committee (JPC) that last year, domestic abuse was the single biggest motivating factor for murder in the State for the first time since 2013.

“On average, gardaí respond to 120 to 150 domestic abuse incidents nationally each day,” Supt Magner said, informing that domestic abuse is up 23% across Limerick this year.

These statistics, gathered through the PULSE system used by gardaí, relate to breaches of barring orders, protection orders, safety orders, as well as domestic disputes and any other incidents with a domestic motivation.

Supt Magner stated that the Limerick division has a “very robust procedure” and would be “outliers” when it comes to both victim engagement and victim welfare.

She highlighted Operation Sábháilte, where, she said, Limerick gardaí engaged extensively with victims of domestic abuse in the medium to high risk category.

“In the last three years, there is a trend from December 25 to January 2, which becomes our biggest period for domestic violence incidents in Limerick, with January 1 historically being our biggest.

“These are only the call-outs that we are actually going to attend. There are domestic abuse incidents in houses that we never hear about and that nobody ever will,” she said.

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Supt Magner pleaded with victims of domestic abuse in the county to seek help this Christmas by reaching out to a neighbour, a friend or to An Garda Síochána.

Denise Dunne, Director of Services for ADAPT domestic abuse services said that while the statistics for other crimes may be skewed due to the influence of Covid, the figures for domestic violence were "quite accurate."

"They are showing a steady increase over the past number of years. With the busiest time of year coming up, ADAPT is open 24/7 for victims, who can reach us on our helpline," she said.

Contact the ADAPT helpline at 1 800 200 504 or in case of emergency ring 999.