Minister committed to supporting victims of domestic violence

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey is investing an extra £200,000 every year in services for victims suffering from domestic violence.

The additional funding is being used to deliver educational programmes for children and young people, support programmes for mothers, and counselling for victims.

Speaking following a debate on domestic violence the Minister said that domestic violence and abuse is a serious problem.

He said: “In Northern Ireland it has reached disturbing levels with statistics showing that 11,000 children here are living with domestic violence on a daily basis. Every year, six people – mostly women - are killed and over 700 families have to be re-housed as a result of violence in the home.

“The cost to society of domestic violence is a staggering £180million. The cost to families and children is much greater. Refuges provide a safe haven for those who have been forced to flee their homes but it is vital that we offer every protection and support for families who wish to remain at home.

“I want to see more families remaining safely in their homes. This is a major challenge for government. It is a challenge we must face up to if we are to tackle the problem of domestic violence in our society.”

Turning to a range of measures which are in place to help support victims of domestic violence in Northern Ireland the Minister said: “My Department is providing funding for the roll-out of the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference in Northern Ireland. This proven process will help identify those victims of domestic violence at greatest risk of harm, and will put in place plans to help ensure their safety. Funding of £300,000 per year is being provided jointly by DHSSPS and NIO.

As part of the cross-departmental strategy for addressing domestic violence in Northern Ireland ‘Tackling Violence at Home’ a number of initiatives are being taken forward including:

• Counselling and anger management services provided by the Men’s Advisory Project. By the end of March, some 1,200 sessions will have been delivered.
• Support services for children who suffer domestic violence delivered by the NSPCC. By the end of March, some 1,600 support sessions will have been delivered to mothers and their children who have been victims of domestic violence.
• Educational programmes delivered by Women’s Aid to school children. In 2007/08, over 7,200 children took part in these programmes.

The Minister continued: “Research shows that 30% of domestic violence starts during pregnancy. A new policy introduced by my Department to ensure that expectant mothers are asked about domestic violence when attending routine ante-natal will be extended for victims using A&E units and doctors surgeries.

“I have also ensured that domestic violence targets are included in the NI Policing Plan with the aim of increasing arrests for domestic violence related crimes and reducing repeat victimisation.

“To ensure that government gives this issue the priority it deserves, I set up an inter-ministerial group on domestic and sexual violence met for the first time last year. This group will provide local leadership and ensure joint working on tackling domestic violence across government.

“Working together we must make domestic violence totally and absolutely unacceptable in society and ensure that appropriate resources are in place to provide support for victims.

Notes to Editors:

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