Government committed to tackling domestic violence - McGimpsey and Goggins

The Government is fully committed to tackling the insidious crime that is domestic violence, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey and Policing and Justice Minister Paul Goggins reaffirmed today.

They were speaking in support of a conference in Jersey where delegates from across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland come together to share best practice in order to improve services for domestic violence victims.

Michael McGimpsey said: “Domestic violence and abuse is a serious problem and has a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families. Government is absolutely committed to tackling the scourge of domestic violence.

“The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety works jointly with the Northern Ireland Office in developing initiatives to help raise awareness and to ensure that victims have access to services when they need them most.

“We have established an Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence for Northern Ireland to ensure that this issue is given the priority it deserves and we will soon be launching our fourth action plan for addressing domestic violence.”

Paul Goggins added: “It is a tragic and shocking fact that as many as 11,000 children in Northern Ireland live with domestic violence every day, six people are killed each year and over 700 families are re-housed as a result of violence in the home.

"That is why, in launching the ‘Tackling Violence at Home’ strategy in 2005, we set a number of key objectives to raise awareness of domestic violence, to provide better services for victims and their families and to hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour. A great deal of good work has already been achieved but we cannot be complacent. We must build on this work and find new ways to deal with domestic violence.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Raising the Standards (RTS) is an Inter-Governmental initiative to help address domestic violence throughout the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland by sharing information on policy initiatives, co-ordinating research and developing good practice to mutually raise the standards of services to victims.
2. A 24-hour freephone Domestic Violence Helpline is open to anyone affected by domestic violence. Anyone can suffer - so anyone can call 0800 917 1414.
3. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0579, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.