The first major study into domestic abuse in Ireland has found that 15 per cent of women and six per cent of men have experienced severe abuse from a partner, and that the criminal justice figures are not accurately reflecting the scale of the problem.
The research, which was commissioned by the National Crime Council (NCC) and conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute, found that just 22 per cent of the abused reported the behaviour to gardai.
The report found very few victims contacted helplines, refuges or support groups but were more likely to rely on friends and family for support when attempting to leave an abusive relationship.
The 200-page report entitled Domestic Abuse of Women and Men in Irelandsuggests that factors such as education level, income, social class and the region where someone lives have little impact on the likelihood of them being abused.
The research found that while women are more likely to suffer severe abuse, it is also higher in couples where one partner controls decisions about money, where a partner’s parents were abusive to each other, amongst young adults and in couples with children.
Women were also found to suffer more serious injuries and were almost twice as likely as men to require medical attention.
In addition to over 3,000 telephone interviews, the report draws on focus groups carried out with traveller and immigrant women.
It found that traveller women were reluctant to seek help outside their community and the control traveller men have over their wives is a significant issue.
Immigrant women are also reluctant to contact the authorities - a problem compounded by the fact that they may be insecure about their own legal status in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the report Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Mr Frank Fahey, said: "In my opinion this is the most heinous crime. It is far too prevalent in Irish society and one we have accepted for reasons that are hard to understand."
"Society cannot accept the levels of violence shown up in this report."
Based on the research the NCC has made a number of recommendations including the examination of Garda policy and training in the area to encourage increased reporting, the establishment of regional Family Law Courts, the establishment of a working group in the Department of Health to review the findings, and the establishment of a refuge for men in the Dublin area on a trial basis.