There has been an "unprecedented demand" for domestic violence services in recent years according to Safe Ireland, a national network of women's refuges and support services.
Its one-day census – taken on November 4th last year - found that 182 women and 247 children were in staying in refuges or transitional housing on that day.
A further 11 women and their 16 children were admitted to refuges on that day while six other women could not be accommodated because there was not enough space. Some 184 called helplines for victims of domestic violence on that day
Safe Ireland's director Sharon O'Halloran said this was "an astounding number of people" needing space in which to live. "And this is only one day's fall out from the horrific crime that is domestic violence."
She said the only way to end domestic violence was to speak openly about it as much as possible. "The bolder we are when speaking of this, the greater our belief in openness can become, because we will hear our voices louder, and the greater our chances will become of success in social change," Ms O'Halloran said.
Safe Ireland's chairwoman Jacinta Carey said there were many more women enduring domestic violence that those counted on November 4th but they were afraid to seek help. She said there had been a "disturbing and unprecedented" 43 per cent rise in the number of women accessing domestic violence services over the past two years. More than 7,400 women received support from such services last year, compared to 6,111 in 2008 and 5,195 in 2007.
Ms Carey said there must be no more cuts to these services and she said the long term cost of supporting victims of domestic violence was much greater in terms of services provided by A&E departments, GP surgeries and community and social services.
The In Just One Day census report was launched by Minister for the Environment John Gormley, who described it as an "extremely powerful" report. He said he was determined that his department's funding for homeless services, which includes refuges, would not be reduced.
He said funding for homeless services had increased by 5 per cent last year and he would ensure that this level of funding would be maintained this year.