‘Drastic situation’ as domestic abuse incidents surge across Donegal

There has been a dramatic increase in domestic abuse across Donegal, according to figures released by An Garda Síochána. 

Reported incidents show a 74% increase from 607 in the year 2018 to 1,057 recorded incidents from quarter one to quarter three - January 1 to September 30 - of 2025. 

Sinn Féin councillor for Lifford/Stranorlar Municipal District, Dakota Nic Mheanman, admits to being “deeply concerned” having assessed the figures, which are based on operational data from PULSE extracted on December 1 last.

In 2020, An Garda Síochána recorded 1,205 domestic abuse calls, while in 2021, 1,344 calls were received. In 2022, 1,587 calls were made, and in 2023, the figure increased to 1,904 calls. In 2024, 2,141 were received and over 1500 calls were received by An Garda Síochana in the first three-quarters of 2025. 

The first year of complete data available on Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault (DVSA) calls is 2020. It is important to note that not all DVSA calls translate to a DVSA incident, resulting in the number of recorded incidents being lower than the number of recorded calls.

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“I am deeply concerned about this surge in figures relating to domestic abuse,” Cllr Nic Mheanman said. 

“We as a society cannot continue to neglect this major issue. It's clear from these figures that domestic abuse remains a serious and growing problem in our communities.”

“We have a judicial system that doesn’t work for survivors. Inconsistent and even lenient sentences for perpetrators. We’re unfortunately seeing a drastic situation where people have to choose between being homeless and living with their abuser, as they have nowhere to go. 

“All refuge centres are constantly full, with some counties not even having a women’s refuge.”

Domestic abuse calls include a breach of (emergency) barring order, breach of safety order, breach of protection order, breach of interim barring order, domestic, and coercive control. 

Across the state, An Garda Síochána received over 50,000 domestic abuse calls and almost 39,000 domestic abuse incidents were reported in 2025.

“We need urgent action to ensure those who have experienced domestic abuse get the support and justice they deserve without delay,” Cllr Nic Mheanman continued. “This includes better resourcing for An Garda Síochána and domestic violence services. The State must ensure that every person who has experienced domestic abuse knows that help is available and that offenders will be held to account.”

“Sinn Féin will keep pressure on the government to ensure survivors get the support they deserve, that perpetrators are held accountable, and that no person has to suffer in silence. Please remember help is always available: Domestic violence services in Ireland – Safe Ireland”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme