Rise in breaching of domestic abuse 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, new figures released to Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú show.

Figures released to the former barrister, now MEP, show that 99 people were imprisoned in 2020 for breaching a domestic abuse order. In 2024, 167 people were imprisoned for breaching a domestic violence order, 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.

According to Ní Mhurchú: “Something in our society is fuelling an unprecedented surge in violence against women — an epidemic unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

Former family lawyer, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú described domestic violence as an epidemic that is going on behind closed doors, in kitchens and bedrooms, in front of children, across homes in Ireland.

Ms Ní Mhurchú praised the investment in new legal protections and resources for victims instituted under Minister Jim O’Callaghan but has called for a suite of 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.

The MEP has called for the appointment of more specialised domestic violence judges in our district court system, a review of sentencing, at least one domestic violence refuge in every county in Ireland and reform of our district court system to make it more victim centred. She added: “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."