More domestic violence victims may seek help if Women's Aid numbers didn't appear on itemised telephone bills, it was claimed tonight.
The Oireachtas Community Affairs Committee heard that abusive men often discover their partners are using the 1800 341 900 helpline and this may place them in further danger.
Women's Aid director Margaret Martin said: "In the past we were able to guarantee victims that their calls would not show up on itemised telephone bills.
"But because of the increase in the number of phone providers in the Irish market, that is no longer the case. "Even though there isn't a charge, we do know from women that sometimes their partners can find out they have called Women's Aid and it exposes them and endangers their safety."
Ms Martin pointed out that similar helplines do not appear on any telephone bills in Scotland and called on the committee to use its influence to rectify the matter in Ireland. "It is a concern for a lot of women," she added.
The all-party committee also heard that one in five Irish women currently suffer domestic violence and alcohol is involved in up to 70 per cent of cases.
Between 40 to 70% of children of abused women will go on to suffer physical or sexual abuse themselves.
A survey carried out by the ESRI for Women's Aid also found that two thirds of children are in the same room or an adjoining room when the abuse occurs.