A leading Galway domestic abuse charity had to deal with a “staggering” ten crisis calls per day as demand for their services surged by over a fifth in twelve months.

In its annual report, which was launched yesterday (Wednesday), COPE Galway revealed that just under 850 women, and 226 children and young people in the city and county were supported by their domestic abuse service in 2022.

The charity, which also provides homelessness supports and a seniors’ service, provided refuge to some 116 women and 157 children at Modh Eile House – COPE’s refuge accommodation for the victims of domestic violence based in Galway City.

“Since our relocation to Modh Eile House in May 2020, we take immense pride in our ability to provide immediate refuge to every woman and child in need of safety,” state COPE in their report.

“Our highly skilled team facilitated 3,874 crisis calls [in 2022]. Combined with an expanded outreach service, in total, we extended support to 617 women and 226 children in 2022.”

The report notes that demand for domestic abuse services is rising as survivors “acknowledge that responsibility and shame lie solely with their abusers”.

Photo: Modh Eile House.

Highlights of the full report are carried in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now, or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie. You can also download our Connacht Tribune App from Apple’s App Store or get the Android Version from Google Play.