Violence against women an ‘epidemic’ amid rise in number of people breaching domestic violence orders

The number of people who have been jailed for breaching domestic abuse orders in Ireland, including barring and protection orders between 2020 and 2024 rose dramatically.

The figures were released to Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who is a former family lawyer. 

99 people were imprisoned in 2020 for breaching a domestic abuse order.

In 2024, that number rose to 167 people, an increase of 69%. 

This follows the publication of a UN report last week which shows that an average of 137 women and girls are killed every day by someone in their own family. 

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“Something in our society is fueling an unprecedented surge in violence against women - an epidemic unlike anything we’ve seen before,” Cynthia said. 

She described domestic violence as an epidemic that is going on behind closed doors, in kitchens and bedrooms, in front of children, and across homes in Ireland. 

Ní Mhurchú praised the investment in new legal protections and resources for victims instituted under Minister Jim O’Callaghan but has called for new enhanced measures to build upon the progress that has been made in improving the services and facilities available to the victims of domestic violence. 

“We can reduce domestic violence through a multi-pronged approach that includes prevention, intervention, and support for survivors. This involves providing resources, ensuring adequate legal protections but also having a national conversation about what is driving the rise in cases of violence against women,” she concluded.