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24 Hour
Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 917 1414
PRESS
RELEASE
EMBARGOED –11:00am, Monday, 10th October 2005
A new strategy — taking
domestic violence seriously Women’s Aid and the Tackling Violence at
Home strategy
Women’s
Aid welcomes Tackling Violence at Home, the new government strategy to
address domestic violence and abuse. Having worked for the safety of
women and children for 30 years, Women’s Aid is heartened to see the
government recognising the extent and impact of domestic violence in
Northern Ireland.
Women’s
Aid believes that one of the strategy’s strengths lies in the
recognition that domestic violence is much more than physical abuse and
also acknowledges the impact of emotional, verbal, financial and sexual
violence.
The
understanding that domestic violence cannot be tackled by any single
agency is reflected in the emphasis placed on inter-agency co-operation.
Furthermore, training has been identified as a goal to ensure that all
professionals have a greater understanding of domestic violence and its
impact.
One of the
foundations of the strategy, the 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline,
builds on Women’s Aid experience of managing the helpline for the past
10 years. The addition of a freephone service in February 2005 ensures
that anyone affected by domestic violence can get effective support and
clear information.
Women’s
Aid looks forward to supporting the development of all these strategic
initiatives and seeing their successful outcomes.
Anne
Graham, Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland said:
“Tackling
Violence at Home places women and children squarely at the heart of
government measures. It is so positive to see that government recognises
the importance of preventing domestic violence as well as placing
priority on accessible support for victims. Women’s Aid is clearly
identified by government as a leading agency in delivering prevention
and support services.”
However,
Women’s Aid believes there is still some cause for concern. Although
the strategy has positive aims, there are no long term identified
resources and a disappointingly vague implementation plan. While the
strategy calls on all government departments to come together for future
action, it is unclear how this co-ordination will actually happen. This
has implications for all service providers, including Women’s Aid, and
their ability to deliver services in a planned, strategic and effective
manner.
Women’s
Aid has been working to eliminate domestic violence in Northern Ireland
for 30 years. It has developed a range of services for women, young
people and children living with and surviving domestic violence which
include the 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline; outreach services in the
community; drop in centres; support services for children and young
people; training and awareness raising. For women and their children who
have to leave their home, Women’s Aid provides refuge accommodation and
aftercare support services.
ENDS
For
further information please contact:
Stephanie
Mallon
Women’s
Aid Federation Northern Ireland
Tel: 028
9024 9041
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.womensaidni.org
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