Domestic violence of 24 hours charted

Almost 850 women and children received support and protection from domestic violence over a single 24-hour period, according to Safe Ireland’s one-day census.

The one-day survey was conducted on November 6th, 2012, and found more than 500 women and over 300 children sought domestic violence services on that day.

The majority of women who accessed domestic violence services were aged between 26 and 45, while 65 of the women looking for support were aged 16-25.

Almost 270 women and children were accommodated in refuge, with 21 women being turned away due to lack of space. The census also found that more than 20 pregnant women looked for safety from violence.

“Sadly, pregnancy offers no protection from domestic violence,” said Sharon O’Halloran, chief executive of Safe Ireland. “Our services regularly work with women who are beaten and raped during pregnancy, sometimes resulting in miscarriage.”

The State’s response to women in critical situations was often “nothing short of appalling”, she said.