Over half of murders in 2021 were motivated by domestic abuse, according to new figures released by the Gardaí which reviewed domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
While, when a male is an offender in domestic abuse cases the victim is a female 77% of the time, while when the victim is a male the offender is also a male in 88% of incidents.
The number of murders in the State have fallen over time, while the number of sexual assaults have increased with females being the victims on 80% of occasions.
Speaking about the findings of the review Detective Chief Superintendent, Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Colm Noonan, said:
"An Garda Síochána is unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders.
"In recent years this has seen An Garda Síochána introduce a number of measures including Operation Faoiseamh, Divisional Protective Service Units, a strong focus on call-backs to victims of domestic abuse, and increased training for Gardaí in this area.
"As a society, there has been a hugely positive sea change in how we view, understand and tolerate domestic abuse in our homes and in our communities, and how absolutely unacceptable it now is.
"For our part, we are focused on a number of operational areas that we believe will enhance how individual Gardaí respond to victims and incidents of domestic abuse to ensure that no matter where a person lives, the service and protection they receive from An Garda Síochána will be of a consistently high standard.
"This report and the detailed analysis and trends it provides, particularly around the increased and enhanced recording of the Victim Offender Relationship and Domestic Abuse motives, will inform us, at an operational level, on how we can build on the successful achievements of Operation Faoiseamh.
"I urge anyone who has in the past or may be currently suffering Domestic, Sexual or Gender Based Violence to contact any Garda station or in an emergency to call 999/112. I can assure victims that they will be supported and every incident will be investigated.
"By fully exposing these crimes, as well as constantly improving our policing response and wider policies, we can help reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse in our society."
