Women's Aid, the organisation that helps victims of domestic violence, has said it received 19,694 disclosures of domestic violence last year.

It said 15% of callers had suffered more than 21 years of abuse

Marking its 40th anniversary and launch of its annual report for 2013, Women's Aid is calling for a total societal change to how domestic violence is dealt with in Ireland.

Of the more than 17,000 callers to its helpline and support services last year, around three quarters revealed they were suffering abuse at the hands of a male partner.

The scale of violence ranged from physical abuse, including severe beatings requiring hospital treatment; emotional abuse, threats to kill children and 46 death threats against women.

Stalking, harassment on all forms of technology, and financial abuse were also reported.

There were 3,207 disclosures of direct child abuse to the Women's Aid Helpline in 2013.

Women's Aid said there needs to be 24-hour access to legal protection for vulnerable women and children.

It also noted that with the creation of the new family agency, Tusla, there might be an opportunity for a concerted multi-agency approach to the issue of domestic violence.