Covid-19 Ireland: Gardai Issues Important Level Five Lockdown Advice As Reports Of Domestic Violence Rise

Gardai will further focus its efforts on domestic violence cases following a spike in reports during the coronavirus lockdown.

According to the latest figures from October, Gardai saw an 18% year-on-year increase in calls for home-related incidents.

Now officers have said they are focused on treating all cases of domestic and sexual abuse as a priority as part of Operation Faoiseamh, as Ireland enters six weeks of Level Five restrictions.

People across the country have been instructed to stay home as much as possible in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. A 5km travel limit also applies throughout the lockdown.

But concerns have been expressed that lockdown restrictions put victims of domestic abuse at greater risk.

Other statistics show that a total of 15,320 contacts or attempts to contact victims of domestic abuse have been registered as part of Operation Faoiseamh since October 12.

Gardai has said that they will proactively reach out and reach out to previous victims to provide reassurance, support and offer the assistance of local and specialized resources as part of the operation.

Meanwhile, the focus on the execution of court orders and the prosecution of violators will be renewed.

Gardai has also urged people to be aware that travel restrictions do not apply in the case of domestic violence or to avoid the risk of harm, either to the person or to another person.

Detective Superintendent Declan Daly of the Garda National Office of Protective Services said of the operation: “Before the start of Operation Faoiseamh, I assured victims experiencing domestic abuse that An Garda Síochána was available to assist them at this time. difficult.

“The Garda Síochána are aware of the fear and concern that some in our community may have at this time. I want to take this opportunity to re-emphasize our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society.

“Operation Faoiseamh was established to ensure that you are safe, if you feel threatened or afraid, please contact us and we will respond quickly and forcefully. If you are a victim of abuse or know a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask you to contact An Garda Síochána, if you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are here to listen, help and protect ”.