Domestic Violence reports increase in Fermanagh and Tyrone

by Gráinne Connolly

A recent police report showed that domestic violence reports have risen in Fermanagh and Omagh.

There were 1,691 reports made in the last year, which is 200 more than the year before.

This number equates to an average of more than 32 reports each week. 

766 of these reports were classed as domestic abuse crimes, however only 28.3% of these crimes resulted in an outcome, such as conviction, summons, charge or caution. 

Orla Conway from Womens Aid in Omagh said that the positive sign is that more women are coming forward and reporting the abuse. 

It shows that people are becoming more confident and prepared to stand up to their abuser. 

In more recent cases, Concepta Leonard was believed to have been stabbed to death by her former partner Peadar Phair. 

The incident took place almost a week ago in Maguiresbridge. 

It's understood Concepta was engaged in legal proceedings when she died, to prevent her former partner from harrassing her. 

Her death has led to more women coming forward and reporting their abuse in the Fermanagh area. 

The team leader at Womens Aid in Omagh, Orla Conway says there's often a spike in the number of reports following a tragedy.