During the launch of the second domestic violence action plan, the two Ministers outlined a number of objectives aimed at addressing domestic violence including:
- A new media campaign focusing on the perpetrators of domestic violence;
- Changes in the prosecution process to make it easier for victims to participate;
- New guidance to help political representatives, health professionals and leaders of faith communities to effectively assist anybody caught up in domestic violence; and
- Proposals to set up an Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Speaking at the launch of the second domestic violence action plan Paul Goggins said: “Government’s top priority is to protect the public, making sure that people can live and work in safety.
“The launch of this second domestic violence action plan demonstrates the commitment by the Northern Ireland Office and the Devolved Administration to join together in tackling this horrific and unacceptable crime. We will continue to build on the valuable work that has already been undertaken and delivered since 2005 when Government published the first plan.”
Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, said the new Assembly was committed to tackling domestic violence. “It is perhaps some indication of the widespread concern about domestic violence issues in Northern Ireland that one of the earliest debates held in the Assembly, following devolution, was about domestic violence. I wish to send out the clear message that domestic violence is a crime which will not be tolerated.”
Mr McGimpsey said that he had proposed an Inter Ministerial Group be formed to take forward both domestic and sexual violence issues. “This group will allow us to focus on what needs to be done and Ministers will be able use their influence to ensure that this joined-up approach actually delivers change,” he explained.
Notes to Editors:
1. Tackling Violence at Home – A Strategy for Addressing Domestic Violence and Abuse in Northern Ireland is a joint publication from the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (October 2005) DHSSPS Ref:102/05
2. The first Action Plan was published alongside the Strategy and set out the actions proposed from October 2005 to March 2007. The second Action Plan covers the period up to March 2008.
3. In addition to Ministers McGimpsey and Goggins, speakers at the launch were Marie Brown, Foyle Women’s Aid and Maxine McCutcheon, Men’s Advisory Project. These speakers were also available for interview.
4. Representatives of other key agencies will also be available – PSNI, Prosecution Service, Social Services, and the NI Courts Service.
5. The event was attended by MLAs, councillors and representatives from the voluntary and community sector.
6. The 24-Hour Free-phone Domestic Violence Helpline 0800 917 1414 is available to all victims of domestic violence.
7. In 2005/06 over 23,000 incidents of domestic violence were reported to PSNI - this figure includes 6 deaths from domestic violence.
8. Domestic Violence occurs right across society. It knows no boundaries as regards age, gender, race, ethnic or religious group, sexual orientation, wealth, disability or geography. The vast majority of victims are women but a significant number of men are affected too and abuse also occurs in same-sex relationships.
9. It is known that at least 11,000 children in Northern Ireland are living with domestic violence on a daily basis.
Additional Resources
10. Copies of “Tackling Violence at Home” strategy and the second action plan are also available online at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk and www.nio.gov.uk.
Media queries to Richard Stewart, DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520571
