There has been an 8% increase in the number of domestic abuse calls

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New figures reveal an 8% increase in the number of domestic abuse calls to Gardaí.

A total of 54,047 have reported incidents so far this year.

The figures come as part of the United Nation's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Breaking news reports that a new Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Tool is being introduced.

It will now operate in every Garda District and Division across the country.

Colm Noonan, Detective Chief Superintendent, says Gardaí are "fully committed" to supporting victims.

He also said Gardaí reached out to communities "through 14 different languages" this year.

New legislation regarding domestic, sexual and gender based violence has increased the penalty of assault from 5 years to 10 years.

The legislation came into effect on the 1st of November of this year, and has also made stalking a stand alone criminal offense.