Dramatic rise in number of domestic violence victims supported by Longford Women's Link

The number of victims that were supported by Longford Women's Link last year jumped to more than 350 women and children - a 43% increase compared to the figure recorded two years previously.

Helpline calls to LWL soared by 260 or nearly 28% last year, while supports such as interactions with clients, court accompaniments and providing safety plans all increased.

The data provided by LWL - who have a team of trained specialists in the areas of domestic violence and coercive control to assist victims - showed a total of 352 women and kids were supported by them in 2025.

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That represents an increase of 21 or 6.3% compared to 2024 and it is a jump of 106 or 43% compared to the figures recorded in 2023 when 246 victims were supported.

Domestic Violence Service Coordinator Natalie O'Reilly, said she believes two primary reasons for the increase in the figures are collaboration between LWL and other agencies and more awareness of the supports.

"From 2023 we've had this inter-agency group with other professional members, An Garda Síochána, Tusla, a GP, a barrister, we've got Jason Poole on board, he is doing a lot of activism now about law change and Jennifer's Law. 

"We would say, we would believe it's from an increase of inter-agency referrals in particular like the court, clerk, the judge, An Garda Síochána and it's like strengthening relationships.

"You would be really surprised the amount of women that come here that have lived in Longford all their lives but didn't know that this service was here."

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LWL are working closely with Mr Poole, the brother of murdered Dubliner Jennifer Poole who is set to address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice this week.

He is urging them to act immediately on progressing Jennie's Law as it continues to examine the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025, legislation commonly referred to as Jennie’s Law.

Longford Women's Link said a total of 8,402 interactions overall were undertaken last year compared to 6,757 in 2024, a 24% jump. The organisation said helpline calls increased significantly to 1,196 in 2025 from 936 (27.7%) the previous year.

Ms O'Reilly said domestic violence remains a significant issue in Ireland and its impact is particularly exacerbated in rural communities.

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LWL provides support to women and children experiencing domestic violence and they support victims in counties Longford, Leitrim, Cavan, Roscommon, Westmeath and other counties.

LWL offers education and training, is involved with lobbying and advocacy on gender equality issues and assists women with legal assistance.

Speaking on the 43 children who received support in 2025 (up by eight) Ms O'Reilly said an  adolescent psychotherapist is now part of the team. “Being able to provide that direct support to adolescents is fantastic.”

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