Anyone who may wish to report or discuss an incident of domestic or sexual violence can contact 112/999 or their local Garda Station.

For child abuse incidents contact the dedicated phone line for the reporting of child sexual abuse on 1800 555 222. This confidential free-phone line is available on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

An Garda Síochána encourages victims of domestic abuse to report any such incident at the earliest opportunity including incidents that have happened in the past.

If you are in danger call the Gardaí on 999/112. When you call 999/112 uniformed Gardaí will arrive at your location in a marked patrol car.

They will ensure that you are not in immediate danger. When you are safe, you will have time to discuss with the Gardaí exactly why you called.

When the Gardaí respond to a domestic abuse situation, the following steps typically occur:

Gardaí will arrive at the scene and introduce themselves.

Separate Interviews:- They will speak to each person involved separately to ascertain what occurred and gather their accounts.

Gathering Details:- Gardaí will collect details of all individuals involved and their relationships.

Handling Domestic Abuse Orders-If there is a domestic abuse order in place and it has been breached, Gardaí will arrest the perpetrator.

Power of Arrest:- In cases where there is no domestic abuse order but grounds exist to suspect an offence, and where Gardaí have a power of arrest, they will utilise it.

Investigation:- Gardaí will investigate all reported offences thoroughly.

Statement Taking:- They will take a detailed statement of complaint from the injured party.

Evidence Collection:-Gardaí may seize any items deemed as evidence to support their investigation.

Referring to Support Services:-Gardaí will provide information about relevant support services available to the victim.

Follow-Up:- Gardaí will follow up with the victim after the initial response to ensure their ongoing safety and well-being.

If you are not in immediate danger but need advice or assistance, you can visit your local Garda Station and request to speak with an officer in private. Expect to answer questions such as:

• Full name, address, and contact numbers.
• Details of any existing court orders.
• Who is experiencing abuse.
• Presence of children during the incident.
• Whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
• Access to weapons by the perpetrator.
• History of previous abuse.
• Current situation and any immediate concerns.

A Divisional Protective Services Unit (DPSU) commenced operation in Kildare on 21st September 2020. Personnel assigned to DPSUs have been provided with a bespoke training course consisting of a number of modules addressing issues such as – investigation of sexual crime, child protection, investigation of domestic abuse, online child exploitation and sex offender management. According to Gardai, DPSUs will focus on the provision of support for vulnerable victims of crime, including enhanced collaboration with the Child and Family Agency to safeguard children. This ensures that vulnerable victims of crimes, such as domestic abuse and sexual violence, presenting to Gardaí are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance. This specialisation ensures that when victims of domestic and sexual violence present to Gardaí, at perhaps their most vulnerable moment, they are met with professional and expert assistance.

If you would like to contact the DPSU please contact Naas Garda Station.