Domestic violence and coercive control remain widespread says Safe Ireland report

A new report revealing the scale, complexity and growing pressures associated with domestic violence has been published.

Safe Ireland published the findings of its One Day Census 2026 on Tuesday which was conducted on 28 January 2026 across 38 specialist domestic violence services with five of these being Cork based.

The Safe Ireland members based in Cork and who took part in the Census were YANA, North Cork DV Project; OSS Cork; Mna Feasa; Good Shepherd Cork and Cuanlee Refuge.

The census provides a snapshot of the experiences of women and children seeking support, while highlighting the urgent challenges facing frontline services.

The census comes just days after new Central Statistics Office crime figures showed another increase in recorded offences against women, while recent reporting on the 2025 Women's Aid's Impact Report highlighted a one-third increase in reports of domestic violence and the charity's finding that one in three women experience abuse by a current or former intimate partner.

On Census Day, 850 adults and 324 children received support from specialist domestic violence services. The findings demonstrate that domestic violence and coercive control remain widespread and complex social issues affecting women and children throughout Ireland, with many survivors requiring support across housing, legal, financial, health and child welfare systems.

The report identified the housing crisis as the single greatest barrier to safety and recovery for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Women are increasingly unable to leave abusive relationships, move on from refuge accommodation, or establish independent lives due to shortages in social housing, emergency accommodation and affordable private rental options.

Interim Chief Executive Officer of Safe Ireland, Christine Lodge, said: “Domestic violence does not end when a woman makes the decision to leave. For many, that is when the next set of barriers begin.

“This census shows that housing shortages, legal obstacles and inadequate service capacity are preventing survivors and their children from accessing the safety and stability they need and deserve.”

The report highlights the growing prevalence of technology-facilitated and economic abuse:

52% of survivors were reported to have experienced technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) such as tracking, surveillance, phone monitoring and online harassment.

62% of survivors experienced financial or economic abuse, including restricted access to money, financial control, prevention from working or studying, and non-payment of maintenance or household expenses.

These findings underscore the evolving nature of coercive control and the need for policy responses that address both digital and economic forms of abuse.

Safe Ireland One Day Census 2026 key findings:

• 850 adults supported on Census Day.

• 324 children supported.

• 162 women and 93 children accommodated in refuge.

• 29 women in refuge were pregnant.

• 235 helpline calls received.

• 52% of survivors experienced technology-facilitated abuse.

• 62% experienced financial or economic abuse.

• 1,872 women turned away over the previous six months because services lacked capacity.

• Housing shortages remain the single greatest barrier preventing women leaving abusive relationships safely.