128 domestic abuse cases — but not one formal complaint

GARDAÍ in one division in Co Cork dealt with 128 cases of domestic violence in the last two months of 2010 yet, despite the alarming rise in attacks, no formal complaints were made by any of the victims.

The support group Women’s Aid has expressed concern about the number of women who don’t make formal complaints after being attacked — sometimes repeatedly.

Chief Superintendent Kieran McGann, who heads the Cork North division which extends from Youghal to Charleville, said between last October and December his force dealt with 128 incidents of domestic violence, but did not receive a single formal complaint from any of the victims.