Over 20,000 domestic abuse reports reached Irish charity in 2018

More than 20,000 disclosures of domestic violence against women and children were made to Ireland Women's Aid in 2018.

In its Impact Report for 2018, the national domestic violence charity revealed that its phone helpline and Dublin-based services were contacted more than 19,000 times.

Of this, almost 17,000 disclosures of domestic violence against women were made, as well as almost 4,000 disclosures of child abuse.

One in four women who contacted the organisation were experiencing abuse from a former husband or partner.

The annual report by Women's Aid will be launched today in Dublin by Minister for Children Katherine Zappone at an event chaired by Miriam O'Callaghan.

The charity is highlighting the link between child abuse and domestic violence and is calling for greater recognition of the risk to children.