'Figures are shocking but not surprising' Laois Domestic Abuse Service on dramatic rise in cases

Latest Garda figures show a near four fold increase in the number of domestic abuse incidents in Laois in the past decade.

Garda Pulse figures have revealed that 1,644 recorded incidents took place in 2023 in Laois and Offaly, compared to 455 10 years ago in 2014, reported by the Leinster Express / Laois Live this week. So far 2024 figures are no better.

The manager of Laois Domestic Abuse Service which is based in Portlaoise beside Laois County Council offices, says it is shocking but not surprising.

Marna Carroll told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that while the wait to build the first refuge building in Laois goes on, there is help for women and children, urging them to phone the service.

"There's no question that our service feels the impact of the increase. Thankfully referral pathways are better than they've ever been, with the Gardai, Court service, community partners and our organisation working well together, to address domestic abuse and coercive control every day in the county.

"The figures are shocking, but not surprising to us as they reflect our experience, but the truth is that situations are becoming ever more complicated.

"While it's helpful to have statistics so we understand the volume of the issue, it's crucial that we see beyond numbers, and look at what life is like for the women and children counted, how can we as specialist services and local community, best respond to the complex needs that victims and survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control have.   

Asked how urgent is the need for the domestic abuse centre, the manager said they are doing all they can.

"Be assured that we are doing everything we can to progress the development of the refuge in Laois. We are very fortunate to have a solid, committed and very competent working group that meet regularly and do immense work behind the scenes to ensure that we are building a strong foundation for a fit for purpose, responsive and women and children refuge for the county. 

"While there's no doubt that the development of the refuge is vital to the county, we must remember that the existing centre continues to provide a vast number of services to women, children, peer organisations and the community including training and awareness raising, psycho-educational courses for women and children, counselling, practical support and information, accompaniment to various services and professional meetings, parenting courses amongst others," Ms Carroll said. 

She gives advice to women who are facing abuse in the home in Laois.

"Domestic abuse and coercive control thrives on silence and shame. Please know that it is something you are subjected to, it is not your fault. I urge women to pick up the phone and call us, and if you can't do that, please talk to someone you can trust.

"We understand what it's like for women and children subjected to this, we absolutely must remember that domestic abuse is a social problem, not an individual problem, when we see these huge statistics it makes it even clearer."

“You will not be judged at our centre, our job is to support you to regain control of your life, in a way that is safe,” the LDAS director said.