New research shows that 44 per cent of people claim to know someone who has been the victim of domestic abuse. The survey, carried out on behalf of Cosc, a Government organisation mandated to prevent domestic, sexual and domestic violence, also showed most people were unwilling to intervene in situations of abuse if they related to someone outside their family or circle of friends.

More respondents said they knew a woman who has suffered domestic violence (40 per cent) rather than a man (21 per cent). Most people say the person they know is a friend, followed by a family member or a work colleague. An overwhelming majority agree that it is a criminal offence rather than a private matter.

When asked what they would do if they suspected a friend was experiencing domestic violence, there was widespread reluctance to contact the Garda.

Just 43 per cent say they would contact gardaí. Most say they would talk to their friend (96 per cent), encourage a friend to contact a helpline (93 per cent) or encourage a friend to contact a social worker (85 per cent).

The reasons for not reporting to the Garda include not wanting to interfere in other people’s business, fear of making matters worse or concern that it would not improve the safety of those involved.

Launching the report yesterday, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said the survey indicated that while there was a consistent prevalence of abuse, there were very low levels of reporting.

“We know domestic abuse is a serious, hidden and tragic issue. It affects people of all ages in all areas of Ireland, whether they are witnesses or direct victims of the abuse,” he said. “We already have a broad range of organisations in Ireland working very hard to prevent and respond to these crimes yet, despite their actions, this kind of criminal behaviour is constant.”

He said each member of society had a role to play in supporting victims to recover their lives.

“Where we know of, or suspect, a case of domestic abuse we have a responsibility to understand, to be informed and to know where to go to get expert help. I would encourage people to visit www.cosc.ie for more information if they are worried about someone they know.”

In response to the survey, Cosc is running a national public awareness campaign called “your silence feeds the violence”. It is aimed at encouraging people to take an active role in supporting people who are experiencing domestic abuse. It provides practical tips on what to do if you become aware of domestic violence and includes helpline numbers for groups such as Women’s Aid, Amen – which supports men encountering domestic violence – and the Rape Crisis Centre.

The head of Cosc, Éimear Fisher, said support services were too fragmented at present but work was under way to help provide a more co-ordinated response to victims.

The survey was based on telephone interviews of a nationally representative sample of just over 2,000 people.