Cost-of-living crisis sees rise in calls to domestic violence helpline

Women's Aid chief executive Sarah Benson, left, and helpline manager Linda Smith at Women's Aid HQ in Dublin. Picture: Gary Ashe/Sharpix

A domestic violence charity has said there has been an increase in calls to their helpline due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Women's Aid, a national frontline support service for women affected by domestic abuse, has said there is no respite during the festive season — with an expectation that calls to its 24/7 freephone helpline will increase by 17% during the holiday period.