More than 61,000 domestic abuse reports highlight growing crisis

Senior gardaí also made a direct appeal to victims of any violence to contact their services over the Christmas period

Gardaí have received more than 61,0000 contacts about domestic abuse this year, according to shocking new statistics that reveal the true nature of the problem in Ireland.

The Garda National Protective Services Bureau released a detailed breakdown of cases linked to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.