A national helpline for women affected by domestic abuse recorded a 43% increase in calls during the COVID-19 lockdown.

According to Women's Aid, which has been working since the 1970s to help women affected by domestic violence and their children, the current pandemic "has shone a further light on the crisis of domestic violence in homes across Ireland".

It has just published its Annual Impact Report 2019, but also published a supplementary report detailing the impact of the pandemic on domestic abuse victims.

This shows that between the end of March and the end of June, the organisation's national helpline recorded a 43% increase in calls, compared to the same period in 2019, while its website recorded a 71% increase in visits.

"As we all retreated to our homes for safety, it became increasingly clear that home is not a safe place for everyone. Trapped with abusers and denied outlets that may have offered them support and respite in the face of abuse before, women came up with ingenious ways to get in touch with us. They called from their car, from the garden shed, from the bathroom with the shower running," explained Women's Aid CEO, Sarah Benson.

Meanwhile, the Annual Impact Report 2019 revealed that last year, 20,763 contacts were made with Women's Aid direct services, including its helpline. During these contacts, 19,258 disclosures of domestic abuse against women were made, along with 4,791 disclosures of abuse against children.

"Behind these figures are women whose lives have been devastated by abuse. Women disclosed being beaten, strangled, burned, raped and their lives threatened. They told us about being denied access to the family income to feed and clothe themselves and their children, and being stalked and humiliated online," Ms Benson pointed out.

Contacts with the organisation increased by 9% between 2018 and 2019 and while this means more people are coming forward, Women's Aid believes that this is only the tip of the iceberg.

The report includes the results of an independent survey of almost 1,000 women, which found that in addition to fear of their abuser, when it comes to seeking support, fear of stigma and self-blame remain major deterrents. Some women also think that only physical violence will be considered abuse.

"It is astonishing in 2020 to hear that women still feel silenced and afraid to come forward for help because they worry about others knowing what is happening, are ashamed and afraid of the stigma. We want everyone to know that their experience matters to us. Abuse is never the fault of the victim, but the perpetrator, and if they contact Women's Aid they will be supported and believed," commented Women's Aid chairperson, Ailbhe Smyth.

The organisation is calling on the Government to follow through on its commitments to audit and improve existing State responses to domestic and sexual violence infrastructure, including adequate resourcing of specialist services, prioritising family law court reform and legislating effectively to tackle the growing problem of online abuse.

"As demand for services increases, now, more than ever, we need Government to follow through on its commitments. A whole Government response is required in order to prevent domestic abuse, to protect those suffering and to hold perpetrators to account," Ms Benson added.

The Women's Aid helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 1800 341 900 or visit Womensaid.ie for more information on available supports.

The Annual Impact Report 2019 can be viewed here. The supplementary report on domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, When Home is Not Safe, can be viewed here.