The group will co-ordinate efforts across government on domestic and sexual violence issues which affects people from all walks of life and across all age groups.
Minister McGimpsey said: “I want this Inter-Ministerial group to ensure that domestic and sexual violence is given the priority it deserves, to focus on what needs to be done, and for Ministers to use their influence to ensure that the joined up approach actually delivers change.
“No section of our society seems to be immune from domestic or sexual violence – people from all walks of life, from all cultural, social, economic and ethnic backgrounds and across all age-groups suffer.”
The minister said many initiatives were currently being taken forward to tackle both domestic and sexual violence and he pointed to achievements so far, such as the provision of the Government-funded 24 hour domestic violence helpline and the introduction of routine checks for pregnant women at ante-natal clinics.
Looking at future initiatives to tackle the issues of domestic and sexual violence, the Minister added: “I have sought the endorsement of my colleagues for this year’s action plan on tackling domestic violence which contains some innovative and challenging pieces of work, including a media campaign that will specifically target perpetrators of domestic violence. I have also provided funding for the regional roll-out of MARAC, a proven initiative which will assist agencies in identifying and helping high risk victims of domestic violence.
“I will also shortly be launching the regional Strategy ‘Tackling Sexual Violence and Abuse’, along with the first of a series of Action Plans to be issued annually throughout the five year lifespan of the Strategy. It is through these Action Plan, that the Strategy will ensure a collaborative and cohesive approach to tackling and reducing sexual violence and abuse in Northern Ireland.”
The Minister concluded: “I want to send out a clear message that domestic and sexual violence are crimes which will not be tolerated. Working together I believe we can make a real difference, making domestic and sexual violence absolutely unacceptable in society.”
Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins said: "I am pleased to endorse this, the third domestic violence action plan. When we announced the domestic violence strategy back in 2005 we stressed the importance of working closely together to tackle domestic violence.
“Good progress has been made to date and the Northern Ireland Office is fully committed to working closely with the Devolved Administration to ensure that we continue to support victims while getting the message across to perpetrators that domestic violence is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our society."
During the Inter-Ministerial group meeting today, Ministers heard from District Judge Marilyn Mornington, an acknowledged national authority on domestic violence issues, and Dr Olive Buckley, a General Practitioner who has provided a health clinic for teenagers and vulnerable adults including victims of sexual violence, mental health and sexual health problems.
Notes to editors:
- The Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic and Sexual and Domestic Violence comprises Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, Finance Minister Peter Robinson, Education Minister Caitriona Ruane, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, Junior Ministers Jeffrey Donaldson and Gerry Kelly as well as Northern Ireland Office Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins,
- The 24-Hour Free-phone Domestic Helpline 0800 917 1414 is available to all victims of domestic violence.
- In 2006/07 over 23,000 incidents of domestic violence were reported to PSNI. More than 11,000 children are living with it on a daily basis.
- More than 1800 sexual offences were recorded in 2006/07 which may just the tip of the iceberg - a potential figure of 10 times this size is suspected as many sex crimes are not reported.”
- Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing (MARAC) MARAC, is a proven initiative to assist agencies in identifying and helping high risk victims of domestic violence.
- Media inquires should be directed to the DHSSPS press office on 02890 520571, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
