Donaldson committed to tackling the problems of domestic violence

Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson has visited a women’s refuge in Lisburn today where he was briefed on the work of Women’s Aid and the problem of domestic violence in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after his tour of the refuge Mr Donaldson said: “The Northern Ireland Executive is working towards creating a better and safer society for all, not just on our streets but in our homes.

“It is shocking that the police attend some 400 domestic violence incidents and deal with over 100 domestic assaults on women and men every week. It is even more shocking that every year six people are killed as a result of domestic violence here and that some 11,000 children are living with domestic violence on a daily basis, and more than 700 families are re-housed each year.

“The reality for victims of domestic violence is that their homes are no longer a place of sanctuary, sadly for them home is where the hurt is. Women’s Aid makes an important contribution to victims of domestic violence, offering a place of sanctuary providing a safe start on the path to recovery.

“The practical range of measures Women’s Aid provides to help women and children escape domestic violence is truly impressive. Their work extends beyond the refuge, providing outreach and training programmes, giving hope to women and children who risk lasting damage as a result of domestic violence.

“This visit has reinforced my determination to work together to put in place practicable measures to eliminate violence in the home and to ensure that the work already undertaken is making a real difference to the lives of the thousands of women and children who suffer dreadful treatment at the hands of an abusive partner or parent or family member.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid is one of 10 Women’s Aid groups in Northern Ireland and is the longest established and the largest service provider with over 30 years experience in working with the issue of domestic violence against women and children.
2. The organisation covers two Health and Social Care Trusts, and a large urban and rural population and geographical spread that encompasses the Belfast and Greater Belfast area, Lisburn City, and surrounding areas down to Newcastle.
3. There is a staff group of 65 employees working mainly on a full time basis, and supported by approximately 20 volunteers.
4. There are three refuges, two in Belfast (North and South) and one in Lisburn providing 46 units with 118 bed spaces. 383 women and 313 children used the three refuges from 1 April 2007-31 March 2008.
5. The refuges provide 24 hour crisis accommodation, protection, safety, and support. Information on issues relating to domestic violence, advocacy on behalf of women and children with a range of statutory agencies to ensure access to additional services required as the result of having to leave home due to domestic violence.
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