Women's Aid have released its 2021 Annual Impact Report. The report provides an insight into the staggering levels of abuse experienced by thousands of women and children across Ireland.
The report details how women that contacted the service were experiencing deeper levels of distress, fear and isolation due to the ever-changing Covid-19 restrictions.
Overall, there were 26,906 contacts with the freephone helpline, instant message support service and the organisations Face-to-Face services in Dublin last year.
Support workers at Women's Aid heard 33,831 disclosures of domestic violence, which included 5,735 disclosures of child abuse.
The organisation have said that "Violence against women is a men's issue" and is calling for men to become allies in creating zero tolerance for all forms of male violence against women. They are also calling on the government to act urgently to increase the safety of vulnerable women and children.
Sarah Benson, Chief Executive of Women's Aid said:
"For a second year, the Covid-19 emergency had a huge impact on victims of domestic violence. Behind our figures released today are real women and families whose lives have been devastates by the scourge of male violence. Women who are trying to protect and keep safe themselves and their children in the face of unrelenting pressures."
