Tusla publishes report showing number of victims of domestic violence in 2015
Tusla services answered more than 80,000 calls by adults who experienced domestic violence last year.
New figures launched by the Child and Family Agency show that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services answered 88,000 helpline calls and supported 24,000 people in 2015.
The report also found one in two Irish women experience sexual harassment at some point, while one in four Irish women experience physical violence.
Joan Mullan, National Manager for Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services, Tusla said: "I’m delighted to launch this report today. It is a positive first step for Tusla, towards an evidence-informed approach that can guide us in our responses to adults, children and families experiencing domestic, sexual and gender based violence, so that we can ensure they receive the support they need during times of difficulty.
"The numbers in the report are not just data, they are the summary of the real life stories of the adults, children and families that frontline services work with."
Tusla funds 58 organisations that support those affected by domestic, sexual and gender based violence around the country.
Ms Mullan said: "Tusla does this through a range of channels including helplines, and direct face to face supports. The work they do is invaluable to victims of violence."
* One in two Irish women experience sexual harassment at some point
* One in four Irish women experience physical violence
* One in four adults have experienced physical or sexual assault.
* Services were provided to 6,405 family, friends and other supporters of victims.
* Almost 25,000 adults who experienced domestic violence received support from domestic violence organisations.
* Over 2,000 women and families, including 2,600 children were supported in refuge in 2015.
* Over 3,000 adults and nearly 200 children who experience sexual violence were supported in 16 sexual violence/ rape crisis centres.
* Irish survivors of domestic, sexual and gender based violence indicate that they chose not to seek outside assistance because they felt they could deal with the situation themselves or with the help of friends or family members.
* 23,562 first time referrals.
* Over one in ten adults who used face to face supports were men.
* In 2015 nearly 30,000 people received help via face-to-face services, outreach services, accommodation and helpline services.
* 23% families made homeless in March 2016 cited domestic violence as a cause of homelessness.
