There was a 17 per cent increase in the number of calls to the Women's Aid domestic violence helpline in 2003, the charity revealed today.
Reports of sexual abuse rose 13 per cent, with the service notified about 511 rapes within relationships.
The new figures also show the most common context for abuse is marriage, with 37 per cent of calls disclosing the husband as the perpetrator. A further 12 per cent reported being abused by an ex-partner, and 13 per cent by a co-habitee.
The figures also show "a worrying level" of abuse during pregnancy with some women reporting violence escalating during this time, particularly in the last trimester. Sexual coercion was reported and in some cases assaults led to miscarriages.
Some 33 per cent of calls referred to physical abuse and emotional abuse accounted for 44 per cent reports.
Incidents of emotional abuse included threats to the life of the female partner and children; the killing of pets; stalking by ex-partners and having to ask permission to speak.
Reports of physical abuse included scalding; burning with cigarettes; to beatings with implements such as a hammer; being strangled into unconsciousness.
There was also and increase in calls from women with disabilities and those trafficked to Ireland for the sex trade.
Ms Margaret Martin, director of Women's Aid said the increase in calls showed there was a need for more volunteers and increased State funding, noting that nearly 6,000 calls went unanswered.
Under-reporting of domestic abuse has been a long-standing problem and Ms Martin said the increased figures should also be viewed as a positive development
"The increase in calls shows that more and more victims of domestic violence are not only aware of the support that's available, but accessing that support, which is a great step forward, however, it is a cause for concern that we do not have the resources to fully respond to the demand," Ms Martin said.
Some 30 per cent of contacts came from the Dublin area, 34 per cent from outside the area while 36 per cent of callers did not disclose their location.
The new figures show 12,908 calls were responded to by the service, which represents an increase of 17% on 2002 figures.