The number of abuse cases has risen in Ireland

According to the report, there has been a stark rise in women reporting attempted murders, assault, and harassment cases.

There was also a notable rise in rape and sexual assault cases between 2016 and 2023.

In 2016, there were 1,784 cases of rape and sexual assault. This then rose to 2,333 in 2023.

There was a 54% surge in cases between 2016 and 2023, the Department of Equality has confirmed.

As of 2024, 35% of women in Ireland, more than 1 in 3, experience psychological, physical, and/or sexual abuse from an intimate partner.

The report states, "When it comes to rape and sexual assault, women are overwhelmingly the majority of victims." 

Director of the National Women's Council, Orla O’Connor said:

"We certainly know from working with women and from our members that the level of harassment, particularly sexual harassment, is an everyday occurrence in the lives of women in Ireland."

Being aware of the signs of domestic abuse is so important, especially if you're concerned for a loved one's safety.

Women's Aid has shared the most common warning signs we should all be familiar with

The most common signs your partner or ex-partner may display:

• Complains that you spend too much time with friends and family and make you feel guilty if you don’t spend all your free time with them
• Sends you constant texts and gets mad if you don’t respond right away
• Tells you how to dress, criticise your clothes, and undermines how you think or feel
• They have a bad temper and you feel afraid to disagree with them
• Accuses you of cheating on them all the time
• Asks for all your passwords so they can check your messages
• Pressures or coerces you to do things sexually that you don’t want to do
• Are physically violent to you
• Controls your access to basic essentials such as the car, the family finances, food, the telephone, and the internet
• Threatens to hurt you, themselves, or others if you end the relationship

You can contact Women's Aid at 1800 341 900.

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