A high-profile national campaign gets under way today to expose the hidden crime of domestic violence.
It is launched to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the annual United Nations "Sixteen Days of Action on Gender Violence".
Television and radio advertisements will air on national stations to raise public awareness of violence against women and the availability of support services.
Equality Minister Frank Fahey said he hoped the campaign would encourage victims to contact the Women's Aid helpline or local groups.
"It is time for everyone in Ireland to be aware that domestic violence is often a hidden crime, that victims may feel ashamed and embarrassed despite their innocence and that victims need the support of friends and family as they address their difficult and harrowing circumstances," he said.
"I hope that this awareness campaign will also encourage people to report incidents of domestic violence that they have witnessed or are aware of to the Garda Síochána."
A press campaign will be launched on Monday with advertisements taken out in major national and local newspapers.