.svg)
Ireland's political leaders and advocacy groups are calling for stronger action to combat violence against women after the number of women killed violently in 2026 surpassed last year's total.
The latest victim, Jamey Carney, a 43-year-old American-born mother living in Killarney, County Kerry, was found dead in her home earlier this week. Her death brings the number of women who have died violently in Ireland this year to eight, compared with seven during the whole of 2025.
Speaking in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledged the worrying trend, saying the country is moving in the wrong direction and stressing that tackling violence against women requires a united effort from society.
"The level of violence, particularly extreme violence against women, is deeply concerning. Addressing it demands a collective societal response," Martin said.
The issue was raised by Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, who pointed to the recent deaths of Jamey Carney and Adina Raluca Constantin as evidence of a growing crisis. Bacik argued that while violence against women is often described as an epidemic, recent events show that the term accurately reflects the current reality.
She also highlighted research showing that nearly 90% of women murdered in Ireland were killed by men they knew, underscoring the need for stronger protections and prevention measures.
Women's rights organisation Women's Aid warned that the ongoing housing shortage is leaving many women and children trapped in abusive relationships because they have nowhere else to go.
Sarah Benson, Chief Executive of Women's Aid, said that despite nationwide promises following the 2022 murder of Ashling Murphy, deadly violence against women continues. She noted that 40 women have died violently in Ireland since Murphy's killing, describing the situation as a continuing national crisis.
Meanwhile, Gardaí have intensified their investigation into Carney's death. Authorities have placed Ireland's ports and airports on alert as they seek to question a man known to the victim. Investigators fear he could attempt to leave the country.
Carney's body was discovered by a family member in a bedroom of her home on Muckross Road, Killarney, on Tuesday afternoon. Investigators believe she suffered a violent assault earlier that morning.
Originally from New York, Carney relocated to Ireland with her daughter in 2021 after visiting the country on holiday. Friends and community members have remembered her as a dedicated mother, compassionate healthcare worker, active sports participant, and advocate for Palestinian rights.
Social Democrats Senator Patricia Stephenson said the deaths represent far more than statistics, emphasizing that each victim was a woman whose life ended under tragic circumstances. She warned that Ireland appears to be losing ground in its efforts to combat femicide and described violence against women as an all-island issue, noting that Northern Ireland remains one of the most dangerous places in Europe for women.
In response to the growing concern, the Oireachtas Justice Committee is expected to unveil a comprehensive report containing 26 recommendations aimed at reducing gender-based violence. Among its proposals are calls for additional refuge spaces and expanded support services for victims of domestic and gender-based abuse.
Campaigners hope the recommendations will lead to stronger protections and meaningful action to address what many now describe as one of Ireland's most urgent social challenges.
