Over 1,000 Tusla referrals from domestic violence centres for first six months of 2022 — report

More than 1,000 referrals were made to the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, in the first six months of the year from managers of domestic violence centres.

According to the Irish Examiner, the latest monthly report from Tusla shows that 1,018 referrals to Tusla were made by domestic violence refuge managers in the first six months of the year.

In addition, by the end of September, 553 mandated reports had been sent to Tusla by managers of domestic violence refuges.

This is more than the total figure for 2021.

Safe Ireland national services development manager Lisa Marmion told the Examiner: "The research is going to tell you a significant percentage of child welfare referrals have domestic violence at their core.

"It may well be that with greater awareness comes greater referrals.

"They [children] are not simply bystanders — they in their own right are victims," she added.

In related news, Tusla also said it is preparing for an increase in reports of historical child sex abuse, following revelations linked to boarding schools run by religious orders.

Tusla Chief Executive Bernard Gloster explained: "Previous events that received significant media attention do tend to trigger instances of increased reporting (to the agency)."

Enquiries and concerns for the attention of Tusla can be made here.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Women's Aid at 1800 341 900, or Men's Aid by ringing 01 554 3811 or email [email protected].

Additionally, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at [email protected] or by ringing 116 123.