Gardai in Waterford says there has been an increase in reports of domestic violence.
Chief Superintendent of the Waterford Division Padraig Dunne says alcohol is a big factor.
He says people affected should not hesitate to contact Gardai.
"Immediately phone 999 or 112, we have a 24-hour service throughout the city, throughout the county.
"Our job in relation to domestic violence is to keep the victim safe.
"Where we are called we have a pro-arrest policy and we will implement that policy stringently
"What I have seen is that we are getting domestic calls where alcohol is a big factor in it."
He says victims will be fully supported.
"An Garda Siochana have a pro-arrest policy in relation to domestic violence and we will fully, fully support the victims of domestic violence throughout the city and county."
It comes as people are being warned not to drink alcohol as a way of dealing with the stress of Covid-19.
The World Health Organisation says it is an unhelpful coping strategy.
Alcohol Action Ireland has today published advice on the risks associated with people turning to drink.
Spokesman Eunan McKinney says there are much better healthier ways to deal with stress. "Whilst people may look to alcohol as a source of perhaps numbing some of this tension we think that it is likely that alcohol at an excessive level is going to result in a bigger problem than what we are already facing."
