Gardai will further focus their efforts on domestic violence cases following a jump in reports throughout the coronavirus lockdown.
According to latest figures since October Gardai recorded an 18% year on year jump in calls for domestic related incidents.
Now officers have said they are focused on treating all instances of Domestic and sexual abuse as a priority as part of Operation Faoiseamh as Ireland enters six weeks of Level Five restrictions.
People all across the country have been instructed to stay at home as much as possible in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. A travel limit of 5km is also in place throughout the lockdown.
But concerns have been expressed that lockdown restrictions puts victims of domestic abuse at increased risk.
Further statistics show that a total of 15,320 contacts or attempts at contact to victims of domestic abuse have been recorded as part of Operation Faoiseamh since October 12.
Gardai have said they will proactively reach out and make contact with previous victims to provide reassurance, support and to offer the assistance of local and specialised resources as part of the operation.
Meanwhile there will be renewed focus on the enforcement of court orders and the prosecution of offenders.
Gardai have also urged people to be aware that travel restrictions do not apply in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person.
Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said of the operation:"Prior to the commencement of Operation Faoiseamh I assured those victims experiencing domestic abuse that An Garda Síochána were available to assist you in this difficult time.
"An Garda Síochána are mindful of the fear and concern some in our community may have at this time. I wish to take this opportunity to re-emphasise our commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society.
"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.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 Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect”.
