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Concerns after garda recording of domestic violence revealed to be just one fifth of NI figure

Summary

In 2016, Gardaí recorded 5,988 domestic‑violence incidents, up 40 % from 3,678 in 2014, yet the figures are criticised as too low compared with Northern Ireland's 28,811 incidents in the same period. Orla O'Connor of the National Women's Council of Ireland argues the numbers are unreliable and calls for better reporting and data breakdowns, including victim‑offender relationships. A Garda spokesman said the rise could reflect improved recording, increased reporting or more incidents, and that further study is needed. The data lack district detail, though Fingal's Joint Policing Committee reported 649 incidents in north Dublin in 2016. Women's Aid noted 12,041 women were victims in 2015, and a 2014 Garda Inspectorate review found only 3 % of 10,373 recorded calls led to an arrest. The Policing Authority will monitor progress against the 2017 Policing Plan and aims to release quarterly domestic‑violence statistics.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Concerns after garda recording of domestic violence revealed to be just one fifth of NI figure. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• October 2015 Other
• September 2016 Other
• 2014 and 2016 Incident
• Christmas Incident
• 2017-02-05 Publication

Why: If this is an indication of increased reporting of domestic violence instances, well that is really to be welcomed because we know there is a massive under-reporting in Ireland. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Domestic Abuse Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report