Irish police, the Gardaí, have initiated an investigation after numerous female councillors reported receiving a barrage of sexually explicit and “very disturbing” phone calls. At least one councillor endured 16 such calls in a single hour, indicating a targeted campaign. The nature of the calls has prompted serious concern for the safety and wellbeing of the elected officials. Authorities are treating the incidents as a potential case of harassment and are working to identify the source of the calls. This investigation coincides with increased scrutiny of online and offline harassment faced by women in politics. The Gardaí are urging anyone with information regarding these calls to come forward and assist with the inquiry. The incidents have been widely condemned across the political spectrum.