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Embargoed:10.00am
- 14 December 1998
A
safe welcome for women and children
Ballymena
Women’s Aid is pleased to announce the launch of refuge services for women and
children who have experienced domestic violence. The refuge offers safe accommodation and support to women
from Ballymena and surrounding areas.
Domestic
violence is intentional and persistent physical and emotional abuse and this
Ballymena refuge opens at a time of increasing concern for women’s safety.
Since January 1998, nine women have lost their lives as a result of
violence in their homes. Almost 100 calls from the Ballymena area have been received
by the Women’s Aid 24 hour Helpline since January 1998.
This
refuge was planned and developed with Ulidia Housing Association.
Capital funding for the project was provided by the Department of the
Environment. The refuge offers 32
bed spaces for families including a wheelchair accessible suite.
In addition, women will share fully equipped kitchens and a laundry while
young children have access to a playroom and outdoor play equipment. Older children can have a room for themselves for study,
music and computer games while mums will have a chance for some peace and quiet
in sitting rooms. The refuge will
operate on a communal living basis and Ballymena Women’s Aid plans that a
safe, friendly and relaxed atmosphere will greet women seeking to escape violent
relationships.
At
today’s launch of services, local community representatives celebrated the
achievement of Ballymena Women’s Aid and Ulidia Housing Association in
developing such an important service for the Ballymena area.
Much work has been undertaken in recent years to address the issue and
crime of domestic violence and having a safe and accessible refuge for women is
a vital part of the support required.
Local
agencies including the RUC, NIHE, social services and health visitors will refer
women to the refuge. Women can also
contact the refuge directly themselves.
Greater
understanding of domestic violence is needed and will be achieved by all
agencies working together to overcome its impact on the lives of women, children
and our community.
If
you need support about domestic violence please phone
Ballymena Women’s Aid
on (01266)
632136 or the Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation 24 hour Helpline on (01232)
331818.
Notes
to the Editor
·
Domestic
Violence affects as many as one in every four women in Northern Ireland. Most
incidents of domestic violence are perpetrated upon women by current or previous
male partners.
·
A government
policy document:
Tackling Domestic Violence
outlines the issue of domestic violence and the response from statutory and
voluntary agencies.
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