TAOISEACH: IRELAND'S EPIDEMIC OF GENDER VIOLENCE

Leo: Extremely worrying figures | Femicides are priority for Govt

- LOUISE BURNE

LEO Varadkar said Ireland is experiencing an “epidemic of gender-based violence” as stark new figures revealed the number of women killed almost doubled last year. 

Statistics released by Women’s Aid on Tuesday show the amount of people contacting its hotline increased by 16%.

An investigation by the Irish Mirror found that the number of females killed has soared with 13 victims of homicides in 2022.

That is an increase of six femicides from 2021’s toll of seven – and a hike of a massive 85%.

Women’s Aid also reported that their organisation had received 31,229 contacts last year.

When these figures were put to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar by the Irish Mirror, he branded them “extremely worrying”.

He added: “This year so far, five women have been killed in what was gender-based violence.