Donegal Women’s Centre has expressed deep concern following the release of new figures showing a 33% increase in disclosures of domestic abuse to Women’s Aid in 2025.
Women’s Aid reported a record 62,275 disclosures of abuse against women and children during 37,790 contacts last year, with overall contacts increasing by 11.5% compared to 2024.
These alarming figures highlight the sustained and widespread nature of domestic abuse across Ireland. While the increase in disclosures reflects ongoing high levels of violence against women, it also indicates a growing public awareness of what constitutes domestic abuse and an increased willingness among women to seek support and speak out about their experiences.
Here in Donegal, Donegal Women’s Centre and Donegal Domestic Violence Service continues to support women who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control. The Centre has witnessed first hand the devastating impact that abuse can have on women’s physical and mental health, financial security, housing stability, and overall wellbeing. Women in rural communities can face additional barriers to accessing support, including isolation, limited transport options, and concerns about confidentiality. These challenges make local, accessible services more important than ever.
“We are deeply concerned by the scale of domestic abuse reflected in these latest figures. While it is encouraging that more women are recognising abuse and reaching out for support, the reality is that far too many women and children continue to live with fear, coercion and violence in their own homes. Every disclosure represents a person seeking safety and support, often after enduring abuse for a long period of time.
In Donegal, we know that women living in rural communities can face additional challenges in accessing help, which is why local, specialist support services are so vital. We commend the courage of every woman who comes forward and want them to know that they will be listened to, believed and supported. These figures underline the urgent need for sustained investment in domestic violence services, prevention work and public awareness so that no woman has to face abuse alone.” commented, Mary Herlihy, Manager, Donegal Women’s Centre
Women contacting support services like ours, reported being subjected to a wide range of abusive behaviours by current or former partners, including physical violence, coercive control, constant surveillance, emotional degradation, financial abuse, sexual violence, threats to their lives and the lives of their children, and the non consensual sharing of intimate images online.
The impact of this abuse on women and children is devastating. Survivors described experiencing serious physical injuries, miscarriage, poverty, homelessness, isolation, loss of identity, hypervigilance, suicidal thoughts, and profound emotional and psychological trauma.
As a Cuan funded organisation, Donegal Women’s Centre is already delivering vital support across the county, and we recognise the courage of every woman who reaches out for help. These figures highlight the ongoing and urgent need for sustained investment in frontline services, including those already being provided by Donegal Women’s Centre, we will be running prevention programmes, educational programmes, and community awareness initiatives in the coming months. Continued support and continued funding is essential to ensure that women and children affected by domestic abuse can access the protection, resources, and assistance they need to live safely and rebuild their lives.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse is encouraged to reach out for support. No one should have to face abuse alone. If you are or you know someone who may be suffering from or has suffered from Domestic Abuse in Donegal. Please reach out for help. The Services
at Donegal Domestic Violence Services and the Services at Donegal Womens Centre are here to support you.
Contact Donegal Womens Centre on +353 74 912 4985 or Email: info@donegalwomenscentre.ie
These alarming figures highlight the sustained and widespread nature of domestic abuse across Ireland. While the increase in disclosures reflects ongoing high levels of violence against women, it also indicates a growing public awareness of what constitutes domestic abuse and an increased willingness among women to seek support and speak out about their experiences.
Here in Donegal, Donegal Women’s Centre and Donegal Domestic Violence Service continues to support women who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control. The Centre has witnessed first hand the devastating impact that abuse can have on women’s physical and mental health, financial security, housing stability, and overall wellbeing. Women in rural communities can face additional barriers to accessing support, including isolation, limited transport options, and concerns about confidentiality. These challenges make local, accessible services more important than ever.
“We are deeply concerned by the scale of domestic abuse reflected in these latest figures. While it is encouraging that more women are recognising abuse and reaching out for support, the reality is that far too many women and children continue to live with fear, coercion and violence in their own homes. Every disclosure represents a person seeking safety and support, often after enduring abuse for a long period of time.
In Donegal, we know that women living in rural communities can face additional challenges in accessing help, which is why local, specialist support services are so vital. We commend the courage of every woman who comes forward and want them to know that they will be listened to, believed and supported. These figures underline the urgent need for sustained investment in domestic violence services, prevention work and public awareness so that no woman has to face abuse alone.” commented, Mary Herlihy, Manager, Donegal Women’s Centre
Women contacting support services like ours, reported being subjected to a wide range of abusive behaviours by current or former partners, including physical violence, coercive control, constant surveillance, emotional degradation, financial abuse, sexual violence, threats to their lives and the lives of their children, and the non consensual sharing of intimate images online.
The impact of this abuse on women and children is devastating. Survivors described experiencing serious physical injuries, miscarriage, poverty, homelessness, isolation, loss of identity, hypervigilance, suicidal thoughts, and profound emotional and psychological trauma.
As a Cuan funded organisation, Donegal Women’s Centre is already delivering vital support across the county, and we recognise the courage of every woman who reaches out for help. These figures highlight the ongoing and urgent need for sustained investment in frontline services, including those already being provided by Donegal Women’s Centre, we will be running prevention programmes, educational programmes, and community awareness initiatives in the coming months. Continued support and continued funding is essential to ensure that women and children affected by domestic abuse can access the protection, resources, and assistance they need to live safely and rebuild their lives.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse is encouraged to reach out for support. No one should have to face abuse alone. If you are or you know someone who may be suffering from or has suffered from Domestic Abuse in Donegal. Please reach out for help. The Services
at Donegal Domestic Violence Services and the Services at Donegal Womens Centre are here to support you.
Contact Donegal Womens Centre on +353 74 912 4985 or Email: info@donegalwomenscentre.ie
Or contact Donegal Domestic Violence Services – DDVS on +353 1800 262 677 or email refuge@ddvs1.com
