Alarm expressed over dramatic rise in reported domestic abuse incidents in Waterford Kilkenny Garda division 

An almost 70 per cent surge in domestic abuse incidents across Waterford demands urgent action, according to Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Deputy Conor McGuinness.

Deputy McGuinness expressed alarm over the figures presented to Sinn Féín by Justice Minister James O'Callaghan.

Commenting on the matter to Waterford News & Star, Deputy McGuinness expressed serious concern over the figures - which came from the Gardaí - and showed almost 70 per cent rise in domestic abuse across the Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Division.

Domestic abuse calls in the division increased from 1,766 in 2020 to 2,990 in 2024, a rise of 69.3 per cent.

"Reported domestic abuse incidents rose from 1,326 in 2020, to 2,269 in 2024, an increase of 71.1 per cent," said Deputy McGuinness.

However, he expressed concern over the number of convictions arising of reported incidents.

"While convictions for domestic abuse recorded in the Waterford and Kilkenny court offices increased from 12 in 2021, to 31 in 2024, a rise of 158 per cent, the overall number of convictions remains far too low relative to the scale of reported abuse," he said.

Deputy McGuinness said a blind eye can't be turned on the issue as the figures "are alarming".

"A near 70 per cent increase in domestic abuse calls and a 71 per cent rise in reported incidents since 2020, shows that domestic abuse remains a serious and growing problem here in Waterford and across the wider Waterford/Kilkenny division," he said.

“While it is welcome that convictions have increased, the raw number remains very low when set against the thousands of calls and incidents being recorded," he added.

"Survivors must have confidence that when they come forward, the system will work for them and that perpetrators will be held to account."

Deputy McGuinness also referenced Oasis House, in Waterford, which provides "vital refuge and support for women and children fleeing abuse".

"They do exceptional work in the most difficult of circumstances," he said.

"However, we need to see additional refuge capacity, sustained funding and stronger outreach supports, particularly for those living in rural communities where isolation can make situations even more dangerous," he added.

He expressed concern over the fact there isn't widespread women's refuge centres across the country.

"We still do not have a women’s refuge in every county," he said.

"Too many women are being forced to choose between homelessness and remaining in a home that is no longer safe [and] that is simply not acceptable in 2026," he added, before also highlighting the need for additional resources.

“This is a very serious matter and it must be treated as such," he said.

"We need better resourcing for An Garda Síochána, stronger domestic violence services, and a justice system that delivers consistency and fairness for survivors," he added.

"I would urge anyone affected to contact Women’s Aid or Men’s Aid Ireland, no one should suffer in silence."