Domestice Violence can no longer be hidden crime says Junior Minister Kelly

Domestic violence can no longer be a hidden crime Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said today following a visit to a Belfast Women’s Refuge. He said people should be shocked to learn that each year six people are killed as a result of domestic violence and that some 11,000 children are living with it on a daily basis.

Mr Kelly said: “For thousands of people here, instead of home and family providing protection and safety, parents and partners are dishing out abuse and violence.

“For too long domestic violence has been a hidden crime. It can no longer be excused or ignored. Carried out behind closed doors it has been considered by some as a private matter – but whether it is as a government, an individual, a friend or neighbour, we must not avert our eyes or do nothing to prevent it happening.

“It is time to work together to put in place all 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.”

During the visit the Minister praised the work of the Women’s Aid for providing a safe place for victims of domestic violence.

Junior Minister Kelly said: “We all know that domestic violence is no respecter of age, class, gender or race. It destroys families and lives and violates the most basic of human rights, and makes people fragile and vulnerable. It may have been difficult for some of you to talk about your experiences, but it has really helped me to understand your problems, and how Women’s Aid helps, so that I can contribute to ensuring effective interventions and positive results and give families reason for hope and a better future."

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. Three hundred and eighty three 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.
6. Media enquires contact OFMDFM on 028 9052 1595. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number on 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.