Victims of domestic abuse are being reminded that help is available during Level Five restrictions as Gardaí announce a new phase of their dedicated support operation.

A third phase of ‘Operation Faoiseamh’ is being launched today which will once again see An Garda Síochána prioritise citizens vulnerable to and victims of Domestic Abuse.

Gardaí are planning to proactively reach out and make contact with previous victims to provide reassurance, support and to offer the assistance of local and specialised resources. This new phase will also see a renewed focus on the enforcement of court orders and the prosecution of offenders.

Any person experiencing domestic violence or attempting to escape a risk of harm, whether to them or to another person, is reminded that travel restrictions do not apply.

Gardaí recorded an 18% increase in calls for assistance with domestic related issues between October 2019/2020. Gardaí also made 15320 contacts or attempts to contact victims of domestic abuse as part of Operation Faoiseamh – Phase I following incidents which were reported between 1st January 2020 and 12th October 2020.

This year there has been a 14.7% increase in detections for offences relating to breaches of court orders obtained pursuant to relevant provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, 2018.

Between the 13th May 2020 and the 27th May 2020, a total of 107 prosecutions were made connected to Operation Faoiseamh – Phase II.

Speaking in advance of the commencement of Operation Faoiseamh – Phase 3 Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services Bureau stated; “An Garda Síochána are mindful of the fear and concern some in our community may have at this time. I wish to take this opportunity to re-emphasise our commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society. Operation Faoiseamh has been established to ensure you are safe, if you feel threatened or are in fear please contact us and we will respond quickly and robustly.

“If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect”.

Anyone who is a victim of the crime of Domestic Abuse, they should contact their local Garda District Headquarters or in an emergency call 999/112.

The District headquarters numbers are as follows:

Letterkenny – 074 9167100
Buncrana – 074 9320540
Milford – 074 9153060
Ballyshannon 071 9858530

The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) is available at any time and can be contacted at any time on 087 06 81 964.

Donegal Rape Crisis Centre: operating remotely, call 1800448844 or message support staff via the Facebook page, supporting anyone affected by sexual violence aged 14+

The Donegal Domestic Violence Service helpline number is 1800 262 677. This is also a 24/7 helpline. 

 ‘Mens Aid’ Ireland formerly ‘AMEN’ offer help and support to male victims of domestic abuse. National Confidential Helpline 01-554 3811 or email hello@mensaid.ie

Most of the above services can also be contacted via Facebook.