Womens Aid have expressed their concern regarding domestic violence as Ireland re-enters lockdown restrictions due to Covid-19.
The charity has said they are preparing for a surge in contacts from people experiencing abuse from their partners adding that opportunities for those who are affected by domestic violence may be curtailed due to the new restrictions.
Women's Aid are urging the public to be vigilant and encourage people to come forward and seek support if they are being subjected to abuse in their home.
A 24 hour national freephone helpline and online chat support offered by Women's Aid will continue to be available throughout the next six weeks, along with their other services.
In a statement released today, the charity says: "There is a greater awareness that home is not always a safe place for everyone.
"During the height of the previous lockdown, Women’s Aid responded to a 43 per cent increase in calls from women who were trapped with abusers at home, many of whom had to come up with ingenious ways to get in touch with us."
Women's Aid chief executive, Sarah Benson said they echo the concern expressed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin in his national address on Monday evening regarding domestic violence, saying callers to their helpline are expressing high levels of anxiety because of the measures.
"Callers are reporting increased anxiety about abusive partners continuing to work from home and having more opportunity to abuse and control. We are getting more calls from women with suicidal ideation than we normally would and there more calls at night, when the abusive partner is asleep," Ms Benson said.
“Women’s Aid is committed to listening, believing and support women experiencing domestic abuse, especially at this time of increased need. The staff and volunteer of the 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 are working to provide the same level of support to callers.
"Our outreach and court support workers will strive to ensure we can continue to respond to women’s needs.
"We have also been in touch with An Garda Síochána in the last number of days and are reassured that domestic violence remains a high priority, that Operation Faoiseamh is ongoing and that the 5k limit for travel does not apply if someone is fleeing abuse to a safe location," Ms Benson added.
