LAST UPDATE | 2 hrs ago

AN AVERAGE OF 27 women were assaulted every day in Ireland in the first quarter of this year, according to new crime figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

This was an increase of 8% compared to the same period in 2025, with a higher number of offences recorded across all age groups.

The average number of attacks on men per day was 37, where 3,334 assaults were recorded, an increase of 1%.

There were more attacks recorded on younger men (up to age 29), while those aged 30 and over saw a decrease in offences.

In total, the number of people assaulted between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026 increased by 4% to 5,794. The highest were among those aged under 18, and those between 45 and 59. 

The CSO statistics show that there was a decrease in other crimes, however. Homicides and related offences – which include murder, manslaughter and infanticide – fell by 27% year-on-year, while sexual offences fell by 15%.

The North Western and Eastern regions saw the largest fall in homicide offences, with the Dublin Metropolitan region close behind. For sexual offences, the number of incidents in areas in the South fell the most.

There was also a decrease in burglary offences, which were down by 9%, as well as robbery, extortion and hijacking offences.

However, on the rise were dangerous or negligent acts, which have increased by 6%. This is most commonly dangerous driving but covers a range of other offences too, such as interfering with aircraft or child abandonment. 

Weapons and explosive offences have also increased by the same amount.

Commenting on the statistics, Jim Dalton of the CSO said: “While these statistics provide data on the reported level of crime for these offence groups, they do not provide an indicator of the overall prevalence of crime, given there is likely to be an element of under reporting in many crime types, such as those related to sexual offences, fraud, or assault.”

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said he welcomed the “significant reduction” in homicide and related offences.

Reported instances of murder decreased by 11% and manslaughter by 71%.

Elsewhere, O’Callaghan remarked that “getting more gardaí on our streets is a key priority for me”.

The latest Garda recruitment campaign received more than 4,100 applications.

Meanwhile, O’Callaghan described increases in dangerous driving offences, including careless driving, driving while intoxicated, and speeding as “concerning”.

“An Garda Síochána continues to take a proactive policing approach to all crime types,” said O’Callaghan, “responding to thousands of calls daily and maintaining public safety.

“It is important that we acknowledge and commend the invaluable work by gardaí across the State.”

He said the government is “committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to keep our communities safe”.