Almost half of people say they know someone who has been the victim of domestic abuse, according to new research.
The first survey into public attitudes to domestic violence also shows most people are reluctant to intervene in cases of abuse if it affects someone outside their close circle of family or friends.
The report was commissioned by Cosc, the State's national office for the prevention of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The survey is based on a national representative sample of just over 2,000 people who were intervied over the telephone.
Overall, a total of 44 per cent of people say they know someone who has been affected by domestic violence.
People are much more likely to feel domestic abuse against women is common and increasing problem (70 per cent) compared to violence against men (42 per cent). The consequences are also perceived to be more severe for women than men.
When asked what they would do if they encountered domestic abuse, 94 per cent said they would help a friend, 65 per cent would help a stranger and 38 per cent would help a neighbour they do not know well.
There appeared to be widespread reluctance to contact the Garda, according to the survey results.
A total of 43 per cent said they would report the matter to gardaí themselves is a friend was the victim of domestic abuse.
When asked that they felt other people would do if they witnessed domestic abuse, a total of 74 per cent said others would be unlikely to report abuse to gardaí.
The reasons for not reporting included not wanting to interfere in other people's business, fear of making matters worse or that it would not improve the safety of those involved.
Launching the report today, 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 survey, Cosc is running a national public awareness campaign called "you silence feeds the violence". It is aimed at encouraging people to take an active role in supporting people who are experiencing domestic abuse.
The full survey results are available from the Cosc website, cosc.ie.
