Low domestic violence arrest rate in West Cork 'alarming', says councillor 

A Cork county councillor has described as “alarming” the findings of a new report that revealed arrest rates for domestic violence related crimes were lower in West Cork than anywhere else in the country.

The figures come from a report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate into the gardaí’s approach to domestic abuse, which expressed concerns at arrest rates, and found that they were lower in Cork than the national average.

The national arrest rate increased from 34% in 2019 to 40% in 2020, before reducing slightly in 2021 and falling to 33% in 2022 and 30% in 2023.

The report noted: “Not all offences have a power of arrest. In addition, the arrest rate can change over time due to arrests occurring on a different date from the incident date.”

The inspectorate examined the arrest rate in each division in 2022, the most recent period for which full-year data was available, and this showed a variation in arrest rates across Garda divisions. 

The average arrest rate for all domestic-motivated crimes in 2022 was 33%. 

Lowest

However, the figure was 31% in Cork city, 30% in Cork North, and just 21% in West Cork, the lowest percentage in Ireland.

The average arrest rate for breaches of domestic violence orders in 2022 was 60%, with both Cork North and Cork city above this rate, with levels of 67% and 66% respectively. West Cork was once again below the average, with an arrest rate of 55%.

Nationally, of over 700 people who had ed the gardaí for help, 50% of respondents were dissatisfied with their overall experience, with the highest level of dissatisfaction recorded amongst victims who attended a Garda station.

The inspectorate said: “Victims who report their abuse have usually suffered over a period of time before they the police. Having taken the courageous step to do so, victims need to be listened to in a non-judgemental way, treated with respect and not dismissed.”

However, some respondents said they weren’t listened to or taken seriously, that their concerns were dismissed and ignored, or “I was made to feel that it was my fault”.

An Garda Síochána said that it will examine the report in detail, “particularly the from the victims of domestic abuse”. They added that An Garda Síochána has invested significantly in the investigation of domestic and sexual abuse, particularly with the establishment of a specialist Protective Services Unit in each Garda division.

Alarming

Social Democrats councillor for Bandon-Kinsale, Ann Bambury, said the report highlights that more training and specialised units are necessary.

“The recent below-average arrest rates for domestic violence in Cork and the rate in West Cork, in particular, are alarming.

“People presenting at any Garda station having suffered domestic violence or sexual abuse are at their most vulnerable, and should be treated with the utmost sensitivity. 

"I’m concerned that the lack of appropriately staffed Garda stations across West Cork is linked to lack of arrests and is having a direct effect on responding adequately to victims of domestic and sexual abuse and violence,” said Ms Banbury.

“West Cork Beacon provide a vital service and has reported that a staggering 31% of women in Ireland have experienced psychological abuse by a current or former partner since age 15, and one in four women in Ireland has been abused by a current or former partner. This is unimaginable and not acceptable.

“We must ensure that if anyone feels unsafe or has been abused in any way, they feel comfortable reporting it to An Garda Síochána. All reports of domestic abuse and sexual violence should be dealt with in a safe space and with dignity.”

“This report emphasises the need for the minister for justice and the Government to invest more in training and education and the establishment of more specialised units for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.”

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