Increase in domestic abuse disclosures 'not surprising' - Éist

There was a 33% increase in Domestic Abuse disclosures in 2025 from the previous year, according to the Women’s Aid annual Impact Report released last week.

The report showed a total of 62,275 disclosures of domestic violence and abuse. Of those, 57,520 related to women, and 4,755 involved children.

Representatives from two Westmeath organisations have commented on the report. Kelsey Tobin provided a statement from Esker House, the Domestic Abuse Support Service.

“Esker House has experienced a significant increase in demand for services in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting both the continued prevalence of domestic abuse in our communities and increased awareness of the support available.

“In 2025, 553 women and children engaged with our direct support services, representing a 30% increase on 2024 figures.

“We have also seen a 56% increase in contacts to our 24-hour helpline compared to 2024, calls coming from victim-survivors seeking information and support, and also from family members, friends and professionals looking for guidance and referrals.

“The 33% increase in domestic violence disclosures reported by Women’s Aid between 2024 and 2025 mirrors what we are seeing locally. While it is difficult to attribute the rise to a single factor, we believe it reflects the ongoing high levels of domestic abuse and greater confidence among victim-survivors in seeking help.

“Increased public awareness, improved accessibility of services, and stronger inter-agency collaboration and referral pathways are helping more people to come forward and access support. Every increase in disclosure represents someone reaching out for help, and that is a positive step.”

Ms Tobin said the figures also serves as a reminder of the scale of domestic abuse and the continued need for sustained investment in specialist services, prevention, early intervention, and coordinated community responses.

Éist, another Westmeath based service aiming to support survivors of sexual and gender based violence, gave their view on the report. Bairbre Kelly, co-founder, said: “Yes, the report is so concerning, but sadly for those of us working to support victims and survivors, it is not surprising.

“Initiatives like Éist recognise the importance of advocacy, which we know sends a strong message to victims and survivors that they’re not alone, as well as letting perpetrators know that they can no longer hide in plain sight.”

Bairbre added: “One of the main campaigns Éist is heavily involved in is the campaign to ban the practice of counselling notes being accessed and weaponised by defence teams against victims in court cases.

“Despite overwhelming support from victims, therapists, survivor focused support services and even the Oireachtas special committee, Jim O’Callaghan (minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration) has continued to reject expert advice and ignore all our concerns in favour of pushing his own proposals through to the Seanad.

“And last week, it was confirmed by the Department of Justice that Jim O’Callaghan’s amendments will not even include victims of violence unless there is a ‘sexual element’ involved in the crime.

“So as the numbers of DSGBV victims speaking out and seeking support increases, this government are doing less and less to address this issue.”

Local TD, Sorca Clarke also commented on the data. “The report shows that more women and children than ever before are reaching out for support. While increased awareness and understanding of domestic abuse may be encouraging more victim-survivors to seek help, the figures also paint a stark picture of the scale and severity of violence experienced in homes and communities.

“The experiences reported included coercive control, assaults with weapons, stalking, non-fatal strangulation, sexual violence, financial abuse, digital abuse, threats to kill, and ongoing abuse following separation from a partner.

“The report highlights that nearly one third of women accessing support were experiencing abuse from a former partner, reinforcing the reality that ending a relationship does not necessarily end the violence or control.

“The impact on victim-survivors and their children is profound. Women described experiencing fear, isolation, trauma, financial hardship, housing insecurity, serious physical injuries, and deteriorating mental health. Many continue to face significant barriers in accessing safety, justice, and long-term support.

“These findings serve as a powerful reminder that domestic abuse remains a widespread societal issue that requires a coordinated response from the government. I support the calls for stronger investment in specialist support services and meaningful engagement with frontline organisations in the future domestic violence, housing, and family justice policies.

“Victim-survivors must be at the centre of these conversations to ensure that systems designed to protect them are effective and accessible.

“No woman or child should have to live in fear. Raising awareness, strengthening supports, and addressing the root causes of abuse must remain a national priority.”