<p>Incidents of domestic violence have increased by 18pc in 2020 compared to the previous year.<br/></p><p>Gardai are to reach out to past victims of domestic abuse to offer support amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.<br/><br/>They have reminded the public that the five-kilometre travel restrictions do not apply in cases of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm.<br/><br/>The third phase of Operation Faoiseamh begins on Wednesday and will see a renewed focus on the enforcement of court orders and the prosecution of offenders.<br/><br/>It has been put in place to combat the increasing number of domestic violence incidents under Covid-19 restrictions, up by 18pc compared to 2019.<br/><br/>Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSU), said he wanted to assure victims of domestic abuse that help is available.<br/></p><p>He said: “An Garda Siochana are mindful of the fear and concern some in our community may have at this time.</p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p>“I wish to take this opportunity to re-emphasise our commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society.</p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p>“Operation Faoiseamh has been established to ensure you are safe, if you feel threatened or are in fear please contact us and we will respond quickly and robustly.”</p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p>The Gardai say resources dedicated to supporting vulnerable and victims of domestic violence have not been affected during their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.</p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p>A total of 15,320 contacts or attempts at contact with victims of domestic abuse have been recorded as part of Operation Faoiseamh in the year to October 12.</p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p>A Garda spokesman said: “A number of victims used the opportunity presented by the proactive contact to request further assistance from An Garda Siochana and local resources were dispatched accordingly.</p><div><br/><div>“The feedback from victims has been overwhelmingly positive.”<br/><br/>There has also been a 14.7pc increase in detections for offences relating to breaches of court orders under the Domestic Violence Act as of September 15 this year, Gardai say.<br/><br/>Chief Superintendent Daly added: “If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you make contact with An Garda Siochana.<br/><br/>“If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.”<br/><br/>Published 28th October 2020 </div><div><a href="https://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/gardai-renew-operation-faoiseamh-as-18pc-rise-in-domestic-abuse-calls-since-last-year-39676613.html" target="">https://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/gardai-renew-operation-faoiseamh-as-18pc-rise-in-domestic-abuse-calls-since-last-year-39676613.html</a><br/><!--StartFragment--><p style="font-size: 18px;"><br/></p><!--EndFragment--><br/><br/><p><br/><br/></p></div></div>