Applications for domestic violence orders in Clonakilty surge by nearly 90%. Overall, Cork courts experienced a 15% rise in applications in ’23.
In 2023, Cork District Courts saw many applications. About 2,338 people applied for an order. That’s a 15% increase from 2022, even though granted orders actually fell by one percent.
Clonakilty had the biggest application increase, rising from 48 to 91, which is almost a 90% jump! Cork City had the most applications at 1,420, while Mallow had 271, and Midleton had 187. Fermoy, Clonakilty, Bandon and Macroom also followed.
Both Skibbereen and Bantry each had thirty applications specifically for domestic violence orders during 2023.
Application numbers decreased in three Cork towns only. Youghal dropped almost half, going from 77 to 44. Skibbereen and Fermoy also saw small decreases.
From January to September last year, Cork district courts saw 1,796 applications. They granted 960 of those orders during that period.
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú revealed these court numbers. She is an MEP and a Fianna Fáil rep. She’s worried about victims needing protection and notes certain towns showed “enormous increases.”
She said many victims suffer at home, and most victims she knew were women. There is a need for a victim-centered approach to help victims more. She helped victims as a barrister because many were scared to even show up in court.
She consulted with women in the courthouse foyer where the abuser was often nearby. Courts need reform to help the victims more.
The MEP will ask to meet with the Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan, to discuss these numbers.