Patrick Corrigan

A new report published by the PSNI revealed that there were 32,127 domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland in the 12 months to 30 June 2020, the highest 12-month period since records began in 2004/05.

The figures show there were 17 domestic abuse incidents and 10 domestic abuse crimes per 1,000 population and there were increases in all major offence types, except for sexual offences and theft (including burglary).

Amnesty International has released a statement in response to the new figures, urging the Northern Ireland Executive to provide more funding for victim support organisations to match the scale of the problem.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty’s Northern Ireland programme director, said: “Northern Ireland is suffering from a domestic abuse epidemic – one that is getting worse by the week and which demands a comprehensive response from government.

“Incidents of domestic violence are now at an all-time high, and the demand for domestic abuse services has gone through the roof. Women’s refuges and other specialist charities which support victims here need additional support.

“Northern Ireland faces ongoing high demand on frontline domestic abuse services, on refuges and counselling services; services which are already under strain. This is a life and death issue and should be a matter of urgency for the Executive.”