Gardaí are once again assuring victims of domestic abuse that help is available during the current restrictions.
A third phase of ‘Operation Faoiseamh’ is being launched today which will once again see An Garda Síochána prioritise citizens vulnerable to and victims of Domestic Abuse.
Gardaí are planning to proactively reach out and make contact with previous victims to provide reassurance, support and to offer the assistance of local and specialised resources. This new phase will also see a renewed focus on the enforcement of court orders and the prosecution of offenders.
Any person experiencing domestic violence or attempting to escape a risk of harm, whether to them or to another person, is reminded that travel restrictions do not apply.
Gardaí recorded an 18% increase in calls for assistance with domestic related issues between October 2019/2020. Gardaí also made 15320 contacts or attempts to contact victims of domestic abuse as part of Operation Faoiseamh – Phase I following incidents which were reported between 1st January 2020 and 12th October 2020.
This year there has been a 14.7% increase in detections for offences relating to breaches of court orders obtained pursuant to relevant provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, 2018.
Between the 13th May 2020 and the 27th May 2020, a total of 107 prosecutions were made connected to Operation Faoiseamh – Phase II.
Speaking in advance of the commencement of Operation Faoiseamh – Phase 3 Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services Bureau stated; “Prior to the commencement of Operation Faoiseamh I assured those victims experiencing domestic abuse that An Garda Síochána were available to assist you in this difficult time. An Garda Síochána are mindful of the fear and concern some in our community may have at this time. I wish to take this opportunity to re-emphasise our commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society. Operation Faoiseamh has been established to ensure you are safe, if you feel threatened or are in fear please contact us and we will respond quickly and robustly.
“If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect”.